Thorpedo Anna will be considered for Preakness, but Acorn seems more likely

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The top two finishers in the Kentucky Oaks, Thorpedo Anna and Just F Y I, emerged from their efforts in good order and could each wind up in some of the major Grade 1 races for their division this summer at Saratoga.

Trainer Ken McPeek said Thorpedo Anna, who pulled away from Just F Y I late to complete a wire-to-wire, 4 3/4-length victory in the Oaks, was "a little tired" Saturday morning, but overall in good shape.

"She left a little bit of grain last night," McPeek said, noting that was "typical" of runners off a big effort. "No big deal. It’s something we watch regularly. She was a little tired. She ran hard."

Thorpedo Anna's major summer targets are "definitely" the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks on July 20 and the Grade 1 Alabama Stakes Aug. 17, both at Saratoga. McPeek said. He said the filly could have a race in the interim in the Grade 1 Acorn Stakes, this year at 1 1/8 miles on June 7 at Saratoga.

"That seems probably the next logical spot," he said.

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McPeek won the 2020 Preakness Stakes with the filly Swiss Skydiver, and indicated he would not be opposed to considering either the Preakness or Belmont - this year at 1 1/4 miles at Saratoga - with Thorpedo Anna. The filly would need to be supplemented to either race, with the Preakness fee being $200,000 or the Belmont fee being $50,000. However, McPeek was by no means charging full steam ahead.

"We're going to look at the Preakness - the next three or four days, we'll start getting a little clarity," he said. "Probably less than 50 percent [chance]. ... There's a lot of math to do."

Meanwhile, across the stable area, Just F Y I was also recovering from her runner-up effort well.

"Initially, she looks good," trainer Bill Mott said.

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Mott said Just F Y I, last year's Eclipse Award champion 2-year-old filly, would ship to his summer base at Saratoga, and that the major divisional races there were in play.

McPeek and Mott are both active in today's Kentucky Derby, with McPeek saddling Mystik Dan and Mott saddling Resilience.

"I think we've got a big chance," said McPeek, who will leg up Thorpedo Anna's pilot, Brian Hernandez, Jr., on Mystik Dan.

McPeek said that last night, partners in the horses' ownership, friends, and family were at his house until the late hours - "People were wanting to come over after midnight" - and that he finally had to put the brakes on the celebrations, with another long day ahead. He said curfew will be extended if Mystik Dan comes through today.

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