Thorpedo Anna will make next start in the La Troienne

After Thorpedo Anna secured a sixth career Grade 1 victory in the $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap Saturday at Oaklawn, her trainer, Kenny McPeek, is already eyeing a seventh. McPeek said Sunday morning that reigning horse of the year Thorpedo Anna will make her next start in the $1 million La Troienne Stakes (G1) May 2 at Churchill Downs.

“We’ve kind of plotted this all along,” McPeek said. “I knew the spacing. He (jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.) really didn’t have to overwork on her (Saturday). She knocked out the (feed) tub in 20 minutes last night. She’s good to go to come back up here.”

McPeek said Thorpedo Anna, a 4-year-old daughter of the late Fast Anna, emerged in good order from her Apple Blossom victory and will “probably” ship Monday to Churchill Downs to prepare for the La Troienne, a 1 1/16-mile event for older fillies and mares.

Thorpedo Anna received a preliminary Beyer Speed Figure of 93 for her 4 1/4-length victory over Free Like a Girl in the Apple Blossom, also a 1 1/16-mile race for older fillies and mares. Thorpedo Anna launched her 2025 campaign with a front-running 3 1/2-length victory over Free Like a Girl in the $400,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) on March 8 at Oaklawn.

“She’s just workmanlike,” McPeek said. “Goes out there and does her thing. Uncomplicated. Just really proud of another good performance by her.”

Thorpedo Anna was a runaway selection for North American horse of the year and a unanimous choice for an Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old filly after winning six of seven starts, including five Grade 1 events. She opened 2024 with a four-length victory in the $750,000 Fantasy Stakes (G2) in March at Oaklawn, then won the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1), the country’s biggest prize for 3-year-old fillies, by 4 3/4 lengths in May at Churchill Downs.

Thorpedo Anna raised her career earnings to $4,814,913 with her Apple Blossom victory, her 10th in 12 starts.