The equestrian world witnessed an impressive performance on Saturday as Thorpedo Anna, the reigning Horse of the Year, made her return to the track. In her debut as a four-year-old, she secured victory in the prestigious Grade 2, $400,000 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Trained by Kenny McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Thorpedo Anna showcased her dominance over five older fillies and mares, setting a winning time of 1:44.02 for the 1 1/16-mile race on wet but fast dirt. This win marks her first since triumphing in the Breeders' Cup Distaff last November.

Under the guidance of trainer Kenny McPeek, Thorpedo Anna demonstrated why she is considered one of the top horses in the sport. As the race began, she quickly took the lead, maintaining it throughout the competition. Hernandez Jr. noted her relaxed yet powerful stride, which allowed her to set early fractions of 24.27, 48.59, and 1:12.99 without any signs of strain. Free Like a Girl, a seasoned competitor with over $2 million in earnings, closely followed but could not match Thorpedo Anna's pace. Hernandez Jr. applied slight encouragement with the crop, prompting Thorpedo Anna to accelerate down the homestretch, ultimately crossing the finish line 3½ lengths ahead of the pack.

The final stretch saw Thorpedo Anna complete the mile in 1:37.56 before securing the win with a time of 1:44.02. Her victory paid out $2.20, $2.10, and $2.10, while Free Like a Girl placed second and Recharge took third. Notably, this achievement makes Thorpedo Anna the first reigning Horse of the Year to win in the following season since Gun Runner's triumph in the 2018 Pegasus World Cup Invitational. The event also faced a brief delay when Wild Bout Hilary reared at the gate, causing a temporary halt as the field was reloaded.

Following this remarkable performance, McPeek hinted that the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) on April 12 might be Thorpedo Anna's next challenge. Fans and enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating her continued success, as she aims to build upon her impressive record. The horse's effortless grace and unmatched speed have once again proven her status as a formidable force in the racing world.