The outstanding mare trained by Kenny McPeek will race this Saturday in the Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, going 1 1/16 miles
HOT SPRINGS, AR (Special for Turf Diario) – The wait is over. This Saturday at Oaklawn Park, Thorpedo Anna, the reigning 2024 Horse of the Year, will make her much-anticipated return to the track, looking to further cement her legacy.
The Azeri Stakes (G2), a 1 1/16-mile test on dirt with a $400,000 purse, serves as a potential stepping stone toward the Apple Blossom (G1) or, perhaps, an ambitious tilt at the Dubai World Cup (G1), where she could attempt to become the first filly or mare to ever win that prestigious event.
A daughter of Fast Anna, Thorpedo Anna’s only career defeat came in a narrow loss to Fierceness (City of Light) in last season’s Travers Stakes (G1). Her remarkable campaign included victories in the Fantasy Stakes (G2), Kentucky Oaks (G1), Acorn Stakes (G1), Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), Cotillion Stakes (G1), and a historic triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
Given her stellar résumé, it’s easy to envision Thorpedo Anna asserting her dominance once again—provided the layoff doesn’t take too much of a toll.
"She’s been doing great," said trainer Kenny McPeek. "She’s a naturally energetic filly and loves to train. She’ll come in with no excuses."
Installed as the overwhelming morning-line favorite, Thorpedo Anna arrives at the Azeri off a pair of five-furlong works at Fair Grounds, clocking 1:00.20 and 1:00.80, both among the fastest of the morning.
Her six rivals include Alpine Princess (Classic Empire), trained by Brad Cox, a stakes winner who finished second in both the Comely Stakes (G3) and Houston Ladies Classic Stakes (G3) in her last two starts.
Jody’s Pride (American Pharoah), piloted by Ricardo Santana Jr., poses another challenge. Runner-up in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), she has struggled to find top form in 2024 but did capture the Busher Stakes (L). She recently returned with a fourth-place effort in the Inside Information Stakes (G2) and will need to step up.
Rounding out the field are Wild Bout Hilary (Midnight Lute), Recharge (Gun Runner), Free Like a Girl (El Deal), and Bow Draw (Oxbow).
All eyes will be on Thorpedo Anna as she embarks on what could be another history-making season.
Comments