All was well at the Kenny McPeek barn the morning after Thorpedo Anna dominated the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs May 3.
"We went back to the house," McPeek said of his post-Oaks celebrations. "We had a house full of family and some of the partners came over. It was a pretty quiet evening."
The 3-year-old daughter of Fast Anna was a little tired after setting quick early fractions en route to a 4 3/4-length victory, leaving about one quart of the six quarts of grain she received after the race. McPeek said this is typical of his runners.
"She left a little bit of grain last night, about half a scoop," McPeek said. "No big deal. It's something we watch regularly. She typically eats up every night. She was a little tired, she ran hard."
The victory was a first in the Oaks for McPeek, who has finished second in the race three times. The trainer said he felt relief finally adding his name to the record books.
"I was going to be upset if she didn't win," McPeek said. "We felt like she was sitting on tilt. ... It was nice to check that box."
McPeek stated before the race that he would have felt confident running his star filly against the boys, but plans for Thorpedo Anna's next start are still under consideration.
In 2020, McPeek-trained Swiss Skydiver finished second in the Kentucky Oaks before defeating Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Authentic in the Preakness Stakes (G1). That year, the Preakness was held in October one month after the Derby due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the May 18 Preakness just two weeks away, McPeek said the same path for Thorpedo Anna is unlikely.
"We're going to look at the Preakness," McPeek said. "The next three or four days, we'll start getting a little clarity. You got to look at the fees. I would say probably less than 50%."
Connections of Thorpedo Anna, who is not nominated to the Triple Crown, would have to pay a $150,000 supplemental nomination fee in addition to her entry fee in order to make the filly eligible for the remainder of the series.
Should McPeek bypass the Preakness and supplement to only the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1), the supplemental fee drops to $50,000. With the Belmont contested at 1 1/4 miles this year at its temporary home of Saratoga Race Course, McPeek said the final Triple Crown jewel would be under consideration. However, he mentioned the June 7 Acorn Stakes (G1), run at 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga, as "the next logical step."
Regardless of plans for her next race, McPeek said the ultimate goal will be the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Aug. 17.
As one task has been successfully completed by McPeek, one more task still remains. McPeek will attempt an Oaks/Derby double as he saddles Mystik Dan May 4.
"I think we have a big chance," McPeek said of his Derby hopeful. "This horse is doing super."
