Thorpedo Anna Returns to Keeneland for a High-Stakes Spinster Stakes

The champion returns to the site of her debut aiming for her eighth G1 victory, with Nitrogen and Scylla looming as major threats in the lead-up… and an eye on the Breeders’ Cup

Thorpedo Anna Targets Another G1 Ahead of the Breeders’ Cup / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- Thorpedo Anna, the current U.S. Horse of the Year, returns to Keeneland this Saturday, the track where she made a stunning debut in October 2023, to headline the Spinster Stakes (G1, 1 1/8 miles, $650,000). The Fast Anna filly, trained by Kenny McPeek, will tackle her tenth top-level assignment in search of her eighth G1 victory.

“All systems go,” summarized McPeek, confident in his star’s current form. “She loves training and is in great shape. We’ve reached a point where we no longer get nervous when she races—we prepare her and let her do her thing.” This year, the standout mare has won four of her five starts, with her only setback coming in the La Troienne (G1), where she was bumped on the first turn and never recovered. She bounced back emphatically, capturing the Fleur de Lis (G2) and later the Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga, holding off Dorth Vader (Girvin) by a nose. Overall, her record now boasts 12 wins in 15 starts, 10 of them in stakes races.

With Brian Hernandez Jr. sidelined after a fall on September 21, Flavien Prat will take the reins, while owners Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, Magdalena Racing, Mark Edwards, and breeder Judy Hicks hope to keep the celebrations going.

Among her challengers is the filly Nitrogen (Medaglia d’Oro), representing D. J. Stable, who stunned the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga by defeating Kentucky Oaks winner and paternal half-sister Good Cheer. Primed on turf with consecutive wins in the Florida Oaks (G3), Appalachian (G2), and Edgewood (G2), Mark Casse’s charge has also proven lethal on dirt, romping by 17 lengths in the Wonder Again (G3) over a sloppy track. “It’s a huge challenge, but her dirt races have been excellent. If there’s a time to measure herself against the best, it’s now—against the best of all,” Casse acknowledged.

The Spinster is also part of the “Win and You’re In” program for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), guaranteeing the winner a spot in the November showdown at Del Mar.

Also in the lineup is Scylla (Tapit) of Juddmonte Farms, a five-year-old with a strong résumé, including wins in the Fleur de Lis and Shawnee Stakes (G3), along with multiple G1 placings. “She’s always knocking on the door,” her connections say, hoping this time she can push it open.

Rounding out the field are Gin Gin (Hightail), a G3 stakes winner, and Chilled (Frosted), who has had a quieter career. But all eyes will inevitably be on the return to Keeneland of Thorpedo Anna, the mare who, through sheer talent and heart, has become the benchmark of her generation.