Five weeks ago, Thorpedo Anna set the stage for stablemate Mystic Dan’s upset in the Kentucky Derby (G1) when she ran off to a 4 ¾-length win over champion Just F Y I in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), opening the gate for Kenny McPeek and Brian Hernandez, Jr. to become the first trainer-jockey combo to win both races since Ben Jones and Eddie Arcaro in 1952.
Friday, one day before Mystic Dan runs in the Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, Thorpedo Anna faces Just F Y I again in the $500,000 Acorn (G1), which drew a field of nine 3-year-old fillies.
Thorpedo Anna. Coady Photo.
The Acorn one of three Grade 1s at the Spa on Friday
Thorpedo Anna, a daughter of Fast Anna out of the Uncle Mo mare Sataves, could solidify her position atop her division with her third straight win in as many starts this year.
Just F Y I, who was undefeated as a 2-year-old including Grade 1 wins the Frizette (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), has yet to find the winner’s circle in two starts, losing to Leslie’s Rose in the Ashland (G1) in April at Keeneland.
The 8-5 morning line favorite from post No. 9, Thorpedo’s only loss from five starts came when she ran second to Intricate in the Golden Rod (G2) last fall at Churchill Downs. Her combined winning margin in her four wins is 26 ¼ lengths.
Notably, had Mystic Dan not been training so well for the Belmont, McPeek was considering entering the filly in the 1 ¼-mile Belmont.
Instead, he’ll give a leg up again to Hernandez for the Acorn, which was lengthened to 1 1/8 miles around two turns, same distance as the Oaks.
Thorpedo Anna has worked thrice since the Oaks, most recently covering five furlongs in an easy 1:02.09 on June 1.
“As a matter of fact, I think she’s on the improve,” said McPeek. “Those two wins were her only races all year. She was very impressive. But she hasn’t even felt the whip. She’s a beast.”
Just F Y I’s final breeze before the Acorn was a 5-furlong move on May 31 at the Spa, which she covered in 1:01.20, fastest of 11 at the distance.
“It seems she is doing much the same and her works have been good, and she seems to be very good with herself,” said her Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.
Junior Alvarado will ride Just F Y I, 5-2 on the morning line, from post No. 4.
Leslie’s Rose, who bested Just F Y I by three lengths in the Ashland, was a non-factor in the Oaks, finishing 13th, beaten 44 ½ lengths, in her first outing over a sloppy track.
“I think she hated the slop [in the Oaks],” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher said of Leslie’s Rose, who drew post 3 and is 5-1 on the morning line. “She got a great trip in the Ashland. I’m thinking if she can regain that form — and the way she’s training, she acts like she’s going to — she should be very competitive.”
Irad Ortiz, Jr. Is listed to ride from post 3.
Rounding out the field are, from post No. 2 out: Power Squeeze (12-1), My Mane Squeeze (12-1), Where’s My Ring (8-1), Regulatory Risk (12-1) and Gun Song (12-1).
Becky’s Joker was entered but ran in Thursday’s Jersey Girl, in which she finished fourth.
Friday’s other stakes at the Spa
undercard The Acorn (post time 6:40 p.m. EDT) is one of four graded stakes on Friday’s card at the Spa. The others are — the Just a Game (G1) at 1-mile on turf for 4 and up fillies and mares (post time5:30 p.m.); the New York Stakes (G1) at 1 3/16 miles on turf for 4 and up fillies and mares (post time 6:05 p.m.); and the Intercontinental (G2) at 5 ½ furlongs for 4 and up fillies and mares (post time 4:55 p.m.).
Picks for the Acorn: 1 Thorpedo Anna 2 Where’s My Ring 3 Just F Y I