In an exciting turn of events for horse racing enthusiasts, the newly crowned Horse of the Year, Thorpedo Anna, is set to embark on her 4-year-old campaign with a race in the Grade 2 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn on March 8. Trainer Kenny McPeek has announced that the mare will likely skip the prestigious Dubai World Cup, opting instead for a more conservative schedule that includes the Apple Blossom (G1) on April 12. Despite being nominated for the Dubai event, McPeek believes the Apple Blossom offers a more suitable path for the talented filly, who had an exceptional 3-year-old season with six wins out of seven races, all in graded stakes competition.

Thorpedo Anna's Strategic Racing Plan Unveiled

In the heart of early spring, the spotlight will once again shine on Thorpedo Anna as she prepares for her first race of the year. The daughter of Fast Anna, who earned Horse of the Year honors following an outstanding 3-year-old campaign, will make her return to the track in the Grade 2 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 8. According to trainer Kenny McPeek, this race serves as a crucial stepping stone for the filly’s upcoming challenges.

McPeek revealed that after the Azeri Stakes, Thorpedo Anna will likely remain at Oaklawn to compete in the Apple Blossom (G1) on April 12. He noted that while the Dubai World Cup remains a possibility, it would require an extraordinary performance in the Azeri Stakes for the team to reconsider their plans. “The Apple Blossom makes a lot of sense from a scheduling perspective and offers a substantial purse of $1.2 million,” McPeek explained. Prior to heading north to Oaklawn, the team plans to keep Thorpedo Anna in south Florida for another month to ensure she is in peak condition for the upcoming races.

Thorpedo Anna’s 3-year-old season was nothing short of remarkable, with six victories in seven starts, including several high-profile graded stakes races. Her only setback came in the Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, where she narrowly lost to the multiple Grade 1 winner Ferociousness in a race that saw her competing against male horses for the first time. Despite this minor hiccup, her consistent excellence led to her receiving the coveted Horse of the Year award at the recent Eclipse Awards ceremony.

From a journalist's perspective, Thorpedo Anna's strategic approach to her 4-year-old campaign underscores the importance of thoughtful planning in elite-level horse racing. By prioritizing quality over quantity and focusing on races that align with her strengths, McPeek and his team are setting the stage for another potentially historic season. This cautious yet ambitious strategy not only highlights the team's commitment to the well-being of the horse but also sets a benchmark for other trainers to follow. As fans eagerly await Thorpedo Anna's next move, one thing is certain: the racing world will be watching closely.