Thorpedo Anna, a recently crowned Horse of the Year, is gearing up for her 4-year-old debut in the Grade 2 Azeri Stakes. This race, scheduled for March 8 at Oaklawn, will mark the beginning of her 2025 season. Trainer Kenny McPeek shared some details about her upcoming plans, including her next steps after the Azeri and her chances of competing in the prestigious Dubai World Cup. Here’s everything you need to know about Thorpedo Anna’s future in racing.
Thorpedo Anna’s Return to the Races
Thorpedo Anna, a top racehorse in 2024, had an impressive season, winning six of her seven races, all of which were graded stakes. Her only loss came in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, where she narrowly finished behind Ferociousness, a top male horse. Despite this, she earned the title of Horse of the Year at the 2025 Eclipse Awards.
Her first race of the 2025 season will be the Azeri Stakes, a Grade 2 race at Oaklawn on March 8. According to her trainer, Kenny McPeek, this race will serve as the perfect starting point for her. He believes that the Azeri will give her a great opportunity to get back into top form.
Plans for the Year Ahead
Following the Azeri Stakes, Thorpedo Anna is expected to race in the Apple Blossom, another Grade 1 race, on April 12. McPeek is confident that she will be ready for both of these races, noting that her training in south Florida will help her stay on track.
Though Thorpedo Anna is nominated for the Dubai World Cup, McPeek doesn’t think she will compete in that race. Instead, he believes the Apple Blossom makes more sense for her this year. The Apple Blossom offers a $1.2 million purse, making it an attractive and sensible choice. McPeek also mentioned that Thorpedo Anna would need to show extraordinary form in the Azeri to even consider traveling to Dubai.
Thorpedo Anna’s Incredible 2024 Season
Thorpedo Anna’s rise to fame in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable. She dominated the graded stakes circuit, with victories in several major races. Her only blemish came in the Travers Stakes, where she faced a tough group of male competitors. Despite her narrow loss, her consistency and success throughout the year earned her the prestigious Horse of the Year award.
Looking ahead to 2025, Thorpedo Anna will be a horse to watch, as she continues to compete at the highest level and chase even greater success.
Thorpedo Anna’s journey into 2025 is filled with exciting possibilities. The Azeri Stakes is just the beginning, and if all goes well, she will move on to the Apple Blossom with another strong performance. While the Dubai World Cup is still a potential option, McPeek believes the Apple Blossom will be the perfect race for her. With her impressive track record, fans and experts alike will be watching closely as she continues her journey to dominance in the racing world.
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