Southern California: Bright Thought on comeback trail

POMONA, Calif. - Jorge Gutierrez does not expect to repeat as leading trainer this fall at the Los Angeles County Fair, but he does welcome a return for his first graded stakes winner.

Bright Thought was scheduled for his first workout on the comeback trail this week after undergoing a minor procedure for a splint injury.

The 4-year-old colt has not started since a dominating 3 1/4-length victory March 16 in the Grade 2 San Luis Rey Stakes, his fourth consecutive victory.

Gutierrez expects Bright Thought to breeze later this week, with no set timetable for a comeback. A four-time winner from seven starts, Bright Thought could be among the top distance turf horses during the 2013-14 meet at Santa Anita.

Gutierrez led the 2012 fair standings by saddling six winners from 15 starters, but expects to start fewer runners during the 2013 meet.

Clubhouse Ride to get scan

Grade 2 winner Clubhouse Ride was scheduled to undergo a nuclear scan this week after two dull efforts this summer at Del Mar. Winner of the Grade 2 Californian in June at Betfair Hollywood Park, Clubhouse Ride finished sixth in the Grade 2 San Diego and fifth in the $110,00 Harry Brubaker, both at Del Mar, in his last two starts.

“It it puzzling and disappointing,” trainer Craig Lewis said. “He looks great, acts great, but did didn’t run. He could be tailing off.

“He had a lot of tough battles with Game On Dude.”

Clubhouse Ride finished second to Game On Dude in the Santa Anita Handicap and Charles Town Classic, then was fourth in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Purchased for $22,000 at Barretts in 2010, Clubhouse Ride has earned $991,744 for owners Six S Racing Stable and Niko Petralia.

Clubhouse Ride won the 2010 Barretts Juvenile.