Thorpedo Anna, trained by Kenny McPeek, lived up to her trainer’s confidence by winning the 150th edition of the GI Kentucky Oaks with a three-length victory over last year’s champion juvenile filly, Just F Y I, despite challenging weather conditions.
– ‣ Trainer Kenny McPeek expressed high confidence in Thorpedo Anna leading up to the GI Kentucky Oaks, using the metaphor “they better bring a bear because I have a grizzly” to describe his horse’s competitive edge.
– ‣ Thorpedo Anna, a ‘TDN Rising Star’, won the 150th edition of the GI Kentucky Oaks by a significant margin, showcasing her natural speed and talent, despite concerns about the rainy conditions and her previous injury setback.
– ‣ The victory was particularly sweet for McPeek, marking his first Oaks win after previous runner-up finishes, and it opens up discussions on potentially challenging colts in future Grade I races, reflecting McPeek’s ambitious approach to racing.
# 5 Thorpedo Anna takes the 150th Kentucky Oaks!
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/7YfQcb1epS
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 3, 2024
LOUISVILLE, KY — All week long, Kenny McPeek was like a broken record with the media. “They better bring a bear because I have a grizzly,” he’d say. Most folks rolled their eyes, thinking Kenny was just being Kenny. You know, the guy who could sell ice to Eskimos because he’s such a master of hyperbole. But, guess what? He wasn’t just blowing smoke this time.
Come race day, Thorpedo Anna, a horse with a name that sounds like she’s ready for battle, didn’t just show up. She dominated. We’re talking a three-length victory at the GI Kentucky Oaks. And not against just any field. She left last year’s champ, Just F Y I, eating her dust. That’s no small feat.
Now, McPeek, he’s been confident all week. Even when the heavens opened up on Friday morning, he didn’t bat an eye. The rain? A mere inconvenience. As the skies turned dark and menacing, McPeek’s focus was unshakable. His horse was ready, rain or shine.
Before the race, Thorpedo Anna was like a ballerina among elephants. Amidst the chaos of flashing cameras and buzzing spectators, she was grace personified. Then, the gates opened. The race was on. Thorpedo Anna, bursting from post four, faced immediate challenges. But she was unfazed, holding her ground and then some.
As the race unfolded, Just F Y I made her move. It looked like she might catch up. But Thorpedo Anna? She had other plans. She sped off, leaving Just F Y I and the rest of the field in her wake. The win wasn’t just impressive; it was historic. The largest margin since Rachel Alexandra’s jaw-dropping victory back in ’09.
The aftermath was a mix of joy and disbelief. Brian Hernandez, Thorpedo Anna’s jockey, couldn’t hide his excitement. “It was magical,” he said. The crowd’s roar, the thrill of victory—it was a moment they’d never forget. And for McPeek? This win was a long time coming. After several near-misses, this victory was sweet redemption.
But let’s not forget the runner-ups. Just F Y I ran a heck of a race, but it just wasn’t her day. And what about the others? Regulatory Risk, Ways and Means—they all had their moments. But in the end, it was Thorpedo Anna’s day. A day that will be remembered for years to come.
McPeek’s already thinking ahead. Could Thorpedo Anna face the colts next? It’s a tantalizing thought. With this win under their belt, who knows what the future holds? For now, though, they’ll savor this victory. Because in horse racing, moments like these are what it’s all about.
Oh, and about Thorpedo Anna’s pedigree? It’s a story of hope and perseverance. Born prematurely, her future was uncertain. But Judy Hicks saw potential in this little fighter. And now? She’s a champion. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the underdog (or should I say, underhorse?) can surprise us all.
So, what’s next for Thorpedo Anna? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: she’s a star on the rise. And after today, the sky’s the limit. #TwinSpiresReplay
Friday’s race was a testament to the unpredictable thrill of horse racing. From the pre-race jitters to the post-race celebrations, it was a day to remember. And as the dust settles on the track, we’re all left wondering: what will the next chapter hold for Thorpedo Anna and her team? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain—it’s going to be an exciting ride.
