LOUISVILLE, KY – Reigning Horse of the Year and Kentucky Oaks 150 champion Thorpedo Anna made a powerful return to form on Saturday, cruising to a three-length victory in the 50th running of the $498,500 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs. The win secured her a spot in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) as part of the “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series.
After a troubled seventh-place finish in the La Troienne (G1) on Kentucky Oaks Day, where she was repeatedly bumped into the first turn, Thorpedo Anna had something to prove—and she delivered. With Brian Hernandez Jr.aboard, the star filly stalked early fractions of :23.43 and :47.07 set by Royal Spa before taking over at the top of the stretch. She drew off with ease to stop the clock in 1:48.52 for 1 1/8 miles on a fast track—marking the third-fastest Fleur de Lis in history, just behind Heritage of Gold (1:48.26 in 2000) and Paid Up Subscriber (1:48.44 in 2016).
“She’s an incredible filly, there’s not much more you can say about her,” Hernandez Jr. said. “I was just a passenger today and tried to stay out of her way. She had a really good trip today and just showed who we all know she is.”
Trainer Kenny McPeek, who conditions Thorpedo Anna for co-owners Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks, and Magdalena Racing, was thrilled with the rebound performance. “We’re just so happy to get her back to her top form. We’re so proud of her effort today,” he said.
Sent off at 1-4, Thorpedo Anna returned $2.70 to win, $2.28 to place, and $2.10 to show. Royal Spa, the 7-2 second choice under Flavien Prat, held on for second and paid $2.94 and $2.12. Taxed finished a distant third at 14-1 and returned $2.82. Gin Gin and Save Time completed the order of finish.
A 4-year-old daughter of Fast Anna, out of the Uncle Mo mare Sataves, Thorpedo Anna now boasts a record of 11 wins from 14 starts, pushing her career earnings to $5,133,413, which ranks 83rd all-time. She was bred in Kentucky by her co-owner Judy Hicks.
This victory marked her ninth graded stakes win, adding to a résumé that already includes triumphs in the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn, Coaching Club American Oaks, Cotillion, and Breeders’ Cup Distaff—all Grade 1. She also nearly toppled top males in last year’s Travers Stakes, finishing a close second to Fierceness.
Her 2025 campaign is shaping up to be just as memorable. She opened the season with wins in the Azeri (G2) and Apple Blossom (G1) at Oaklawn before her La Troienne misstep. Next up? Likely a run in the Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga, followed by the Spinster (G1) at Keeneland, with a potential shot against the boys at the Breeders’ Cup.
“Who knows?” McPeek said. “If she goes through both of those hoops maybe we’d run her in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).”
