Kentucky-bred Thorpedo Anna scored a 4 ¾-length front-running victory in the 150th running of the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) on Friday, May 3. Owned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks, and Magdalena Racing, Thorpedo Anna defeated Eclipse Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Just F Y I for trainer Kenny McPeek.
Ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Thorpedo Anna repelled all challengers over the 1 1/8 miles over a sloppy track, stopping the clock in 1:50.83. The win is the first for McPeek and Hernandez in the Oaks. The impressive victory gives McPeek and Hernandez an opportunity to complete the Oaks-Derby double when they team up again with Kentucky-bred Mystic Dan in the Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 4. The most recent trainer to sweep the Oaks and Derby in the same year was Ben Jones in 1952 with Real Delight and Hill Gail. The most recent jockey to complete the double was Calvin Borel in 2009 with Rachel Alexanra and Mine That Bird.
At the top of the stretch, Just F Y I had Thorpedo Anna in her sights, but Thorpedo Anna found more on the lead. The daughter of Fast Anna is now a winner in four of five starts. The $846,300 winner’s share of the Oaks purse raised her career earnings to $1,430,663.
“I felt confident,” shared Hernandez. “She was out there and feeling comfortable. It means so much to win for this team. Kenny and his barn have done a lot for my career.”
Just F Y I finished second and Ways and Means was third. Bred in Kentucky by Judy Hicks, Thorpedo Anna was a $40,000 acquisition at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton October Yearling Sale.
“She was a bear today,” said McPeek. “She has been training great and when I saw Brian had the race in control, I thought she could do it. It’s just so amazing to finally win this race. We’ve been close for a long time, but it’s a great feeling to get it done.”