Thorpedo Anna Looks To Rebound In Fleur De Lis Stakes
Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna is back, and the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs could be her redemption story—or a potential upset spot for sharp handicappers. This 1 1/8-mile race isn't just another stop on the calendar—it's a 'Win and You're In' for the 2025 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), offering major implications for both championship honors and your betting tickets.
After a sensational 3-year-old campaign in 2024 that included wins in the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn, Coaching Club American Oaks, Cotillion, and a hard-fought triumph in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, Thorpedo Anna kicked off her 4-year-old season with authority. She romped in both the Azeri (G2) and Apple Blossom (G1) at Oaklawn, reinforcing her status as the division's queen.
But then came the La Troienne (G1), where things went off script. Bumped repeatedly into the first turn, Thorpedo Anna lost all momentum and faded to seventh. Trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. have been vocal about the rough trip: 'She got pinballed going into that turn,' McPeek said. 'It looks like it took the breath out of her.' Still, connections are confident she'll bounce back Saturday with a clean trip and have taken their time bringing her back—nearly two months have passed since that race.
Saturday's race will be a critical test. Bettors must weigh whether to trust her back class and excuses from the La Troienne or look elsewhere for value.
Let's break down the rest of the five-horse field, in post position order:
1. Royal Spa (Prat/Brisset) 4-1:
Winner of the Shawnee (G3) over this track. Tactical speed, steady progression, and Flavien Prat up make her an intriguing option if Thorpedo Anna stubs her toe again. Could be the value play.
2. Save Time (Ortiz Jr./Joseph Jr.) 20-1:
A lightly raced filly with upside but making a massive class jump. With Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, she's likely to take money—but will she be ready for this level? Questionable.
3. Thorpedo Anna (Hernandez/McPeek) 3-5:
The champ. The one to beat. But the question remains: Can she rebound at short odds? She's the logical favorite, but not bulletproof.
4. Gin Gin (Jose Ortiz/Walsh) 7-2:
Winner of the Doubledogdare (G3) at Keeneland and improving steadily. She's a stalker who could benefit if Thorpedo Anna and Royal Spa hook up early. Use underneath in exotics or consider as a win threat at a price.
5. Taxed (Bejarano/Morse) 9/2:
The La Troienne (G1) runner-up could be flying under the radar. She already proved she can run well in this company and has value appeal if you're looking to beat the favorite.
From a betting perspective, Thorpedo Anna is the one they'll have to run down, but value may lie with Royal Spa, especially if the pace turns honest early. Taxed looms as a strong exacta or trifecta key. But make no mistake, Thorpedo Anna should not lose this race and is a single in all exotics.
This race not only stamps a ticket to the Breeders' Cup, but could also reshape the older filly & mare division—and your betting bankroll.
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