Reigning horse of the year Thorpedo Anna won the Grade 1, $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap for older fillies and mares at Oaklawn with a 4 1/4-length triumph. The victory marked her sixth Grade 1 win and pushed her earnings past $4 million. Thorpedo Anna accelerated through the second turn and maintained the lead, crossing the finish line with a winning time of 1:44.27 for the 1 1/16 miles on the main track.
Ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr. for trainer Kenny McPeek, Thorpedo Anna paid $2.40 across the board, with Free Like a Girl coming in second and Where’s My Ring finishing third. McPeek plans to bring Thorpedo Anna back for the La Troienne (G1) on the Kentucky Oaks (G1) card in 20 days. Thorpedo Anna’s record now stands at 12: 10-2-0, with career earnings totaling $4,814,913.
Thorpedo Anna’s impressive performance in the Apple Blossom Handicap was described as once-in-a-lifetime by Hernandez, who praised her dominance and ability to keep getting better. McPeek expressed confidence in racing his horses and plans to continue racing Thorpedo Anna as long as she remains healthy and performs well. The filly is owned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks, and Sherri McPeek under the name Magdalena Racing.
