Several top-tier thoroughbreds, including the 2024 Eclipse Award Horse of the Year, Thorpedo Anna, have been actively preparing for upcoming races. These elite horses have undergone rigorous training sessions across various tracks in preparation for prestigious stakes events. Notably, Thorpedo Anna completed a four-furlong workout at Fair Grounds, clocking an impressive time of 49.2 seconds. Trainer Kenny McPeek plans to continue her preparations at Fair Grounds before shipping her to Oaklawn for the Grade 2 Azeri Stakes on March 8. Additionally, other notable champions such as Just F Y I, Atone, and Spirit of St Louis also participated in timed workouts, showcasing their readiness for future competitions.

Thorpedo Anna Prepares for Azeri Stakes with Stellar Performance

In the crisp autumn air, Thorpedo Anna, a 4-year-old daughter of Fast Anna, demonstrated her prowess during a significant workout session at Fair Grounds. On a sunny Saturday morning, she covered four furlongs in an admirable 49.2 seconds, ranking as the 57th fastest among 126 horses over the same distance. This marked her first timed workout at Fair Grounds following two sessions at Gulfstream Park. Under the watchful eye of trainer Kenny McPeek, Thorpedo Anna is gearing up for her next major challenge—the Grade 2, $400,000 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn. Her last victory was in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar on November 2, and fans are eagerly anticipating her performance in this high-stakes event.

Beyond Thorpedo Anna, several other graded-stakes winners also engaged in intense training. Just F Y I, a two-time Grade 1 winner, clocked five furlongs in 1:01.2 at Payson Park, while Atone, another Grade 1 victor, recorded a four-furlong time of 49.1 seconds at Gulfstream Park. East Avenue, who placed ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Fair Grounds. Meanwhile, Spirit of St Louis, the champion of the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational, completed four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Payson Park. These workouts highlight the competitive spirit and dedication of these exceptional athletes as they prepare for their next big moments in the racing world.

From a journalist's perspective, it is inspiring to witness the meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment of both trainers and horses. Each second shaved off during a workout represents countless hours of hard work and dedication. The anticipation surrounding these upcoming races underscores the thrilling unpredictability of horse racing. Fans can look forward to witnessing these champions push their limits, showcasing not only speed but also resilience and strategy. As we approach these critical races, the excitement builds, reminding us of the enduring allure of this timeless sport.