Thorpedo Anna Rolls in Coaching Club American Oaks
After a rocky start in the $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, Thorpedo Anna proved once again she relishes a challenge.
So does her trainer, Kenny McPeek.
Following her 4 ½-length victory in the 1 1/8-mile race – her third straight Grade 1 win – McPeek toyed with the idea of sending her against the boys in the meet’s premier race, the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) on Aug. 24. While the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) on Aug. 17 would seem to be an easier spot, the trainer had higher hopes for the daughter of Fast Anna.
Thorpedo Anna. Coglianese Photo.
What’s next? Alabama Stakes or Travers Stakes against the boys
"If I run her in the Alabama Stakes, as a wagering prospect, it's no fun for anybody," McPeek said. “Nobody is going to run against her and what would she be - 1-2 or less? I like challenges.
"I'd be sticking my neck out a little bit, but I think the sport could really enjoy seeing a filly take on the colts. Whether it's Genuine Risk or Winning Colors or Swiss [Skydiver] -- I'll look at the numbers and try to make an educated decision.
“I watched Dornoch today [in the Haskell] and he ran 1:50 and change -- there's not much separation there at least on time. It's a good problem.”
Dominant Victory: Thorpedo Anna Adds Another Win to Her Stellar Record
After jumping up at the start, hitting the side of the gate and breaking last (of four) in the 1 1/8-mile race, jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. quickly righted Thorpedo Anna and she zipped into second behind Intricate, with the opening quarter going in 24.28 seconds. The filly was content to stay behind Leslie’s Rose down the backstretch, and when Hernandez asked her for more, she kicked into high gear and took command straightening for home and was never threatened.
Her winning time for the 9 furlongs was 1:50.95 as she extended her record to six wins in seven starts with earnings of $1,980,663 for her owners, Nader Alaail, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdelana Racing.
She returned $2.50 for a $2 win bet as she added the Oaks to her wins in the Acorn at the Spa on June 8, her triumph in the Kentucky Oaks on May 3, and her win in the Fantasy (G2) at Oaklawn Park to start her 2024 campaign. Her only loss came when second in the Goldenrod (G2) at Churchill Downs last November.
Candied was along for second, with Intricate another four lengths behind in third. Leslie’s Rose faded to fourth, and Barbratina was scratched.
US Racing is not a racebook or ADW, and does not accept or place wagers of any type. This website does not endorse or encourage illegal gambling. All information provided by this website is for entertainment purposes only. This website assumes no responsibility for the actions by and makes no representation or endorsement of any activities offered by any reviewed racebook or ADW. Please confirm the wagering regulations in your jurisdiction as they vary from state to state, province to province and country to country. Any use of this information in violation of federal, state, provincial or local laws is strictly prohibited.