Same-old, same-old as Thorpedo Anna takes Apple Blossom Handicap
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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Winning is business as usual for Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna, who picked up the 10th victory of her 12-race career Saturday in the Grade 1, $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park.
“Another professional race,” trainer Kenny McPeek said. “She goes out there and she’s a total pro.”
Thorpedo Anna shuttled home in front by 4 1/4 lengths Saturday for her fourth consecutive win and her second straight as a 4-year-old. She was the 124-pound highweight in her first appearance in a handicap, spotting her rivals between four and seven pounds.
It’s the highest impost under which the early season Apple Blossom has been won, alongside the victories by Letruska in 2022; Paseana in 1992-93; Track Robbery (1982); Bold ‘n Determined (1981) and Susan’s Girl (1975).
Thorpedo Anna ($2.40) broke well Saturday and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. situated her in a tracking position just off leader Wild Bout Hilary, who set fractions of 23.47 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.74 for the half-mile. Thorpedo Anna sailed past the leader midway on the final turn, running six furlongs in 1:11.22. She increased her advantage from there, going on to cover the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:44.27.
“That was kind of the plan, to follow the horse on the lead,” Hernandez told publicity at Oaklawn. “The horse on the lead, she was cruising along pretty nicely, but that filly’s never faced a filly of our quality.
“Another testament to [Thorpedo Anna]. She decided when she wanted to go. I was just kind of sitting up there. When she swapped leads going into the second turn and she jumped on her, I was like, ‘Okay, no worries.’ ”
Free Like a Girl rallied for second in the Apple Blossom, while it was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third to Where’s My Ring.
Thorpedo Anna won before an estimated ontrack crowd of 40,000, which cheered when Oaklawn announcer Matt Dinerman said her name in the post parade. They got loud again when she went into the packed infield winner’s circle enclosure on a beautiful afternoon in the low 70s.
“She goes out there and she does what she does and she does it well,” McPeek said. “And she really continues to be uncomplicated.”
McPeek said Thorpedo Anna could make her next start at Churchill Downs.
“If everything is good with her physically, she’ll come back in the La Troienne in 20 days,” he said. “I know it’s somewhat unconventional in this day and age, but those who know me know if a horse is doing well, I will run. If she’s healthy, she runs May 2.”
Thorpedo Anna is a daughter of Fast Anna who races for the partnership of Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, breeder Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing. She was winning her sixth Grade 1 race in the Apple Blossom and her eighth stakes overall. She has now earned $4,814,913.
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