Thorpedo Anna Pointing Toward Azeri; Dubai Unlikely

Trainer Kenny McPeek said the newly crowned Horse of the Year, Thorpedo Anna , is pointed toward the March 8 Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park.

McPeek said it just makes sense that the 4-year-old daughter of Fast Anna  make her debut at the Arkansas track. Last week at the Eclipse Awards, Thorpedo Anna was named Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old filly. 

"Seems like a good spot. … Where else would I go?" McPeek said. 

There were conversations among those in her camp about sending Thorpedo Anna to the Dubai World Cup (G1), but McPeek said that while that hasn't been ruled out, the more likely follow-up to the Azeri would be the April 12 Apple Blossom Stakes (G1) at Oaklawn, a week later than the contest in Dubai. But he hasn't closed the door on a trip to the Middle East.

"Nothing's going to be decided until after, if she makes the Azeri, then we will make a decision after that," McPeek explained. "But at this point in time, let's get through the Azeri. And let's say she runs huge in the Azeri and it's a dominant performance, then we would probably contemplate going to Dubai.

"Right now it's one step at a time."

Beyond those April races, the trainer said the plan would be to point toward grade 1s as the summer approaches. 

"The Ogden Phipps is a great race, the La Troienne in Kentucky is a great race," he said. "Maybe after the Azeri we could probably contemplate going to something a little bit bigger."

Another of McPeek's trainees has a less clear path forward. After a disappointing run in the Pegasus World Cup Stakes (G1) Jan. 25, Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan 's next move is on hold. 

"He's doing fine. You know, we've gone over him with a fine-tooth comb," McPeek said. "We're a little concerned … (we) just want to make sure that he's 100% healthy. And we're going to probably take our time before we contemplate what we're doing next. But he's eating good postrace, and he's active, good postrace, but I would say that we will be very meticulous before we make a decision on his next run."

McPeek, who was at the Eclipse Awards because of the expected honoring of Thorpedo Anna, was hoping to come away with some hardware for himself. Many believed that McPeek had a chance at being named top trainer after winning the Derby with Mystik Dan and the Kentucky Oaks (G1) with Thorpedo Anna, not to mention her other exploits on the track.

"It was a great event. Really honored to be a part of it, honestly. I'm a little disappointed we didn't win trainer of the year, but at the same time, Chad Brown had a great year. All of that's out of my control, and who makes those decisions, but it's a real honor to be a part of it."