Thorpedo Anna spent the offseason between her 2- and 3-year-old campaigns working alongside stablemate and eventual 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan.
That relationship only makes their 1-2 punch at Churchill Downs the first weekend in May all the more poignant.
"They both prepared each other for the spring, and they were just a strong match, and they both made each other work hard to get ready," said their trainer Kenny McPeek.
Maybe Mystik Dan should get an assist for not just Thorpedo Anna's Kentucky Oaks (G1) but for helping prepare her for what turned into a stellar season that included being named champion 3-year-old filly. But the glory belongs to the daughter of Fast Anna.
Thorpedo Anna is the second champion 3-year-old filly McPeek trained. The other is 2020 division leader Swiss Skydiver.
McPeek said the difference between the two was how dominant Thorpedo Anna proved to be. Winning six of her seven starts, all but one of which were grade 1s, only once did she win by less than 2 1/2 lengths. She banked $3,653,050 in 2024.
"I thought I would never have a horse as good as Take Charge Lady," he said. "She was a freak of nature on her own. Then Swiss Skydiver came along. Then I thought I'd never have a filly as good as Take Charge Lady and Swiss Skydiver, then all of a sudden Thorpedo Anna shows up and she eclipses both of them."
McPeek said he saw the talent during her rookie campaign. At 2, Thorpedo Anna won two of three starts and both triumphs were with her nearest competitor far in the rearview mirror.
The trainer made a point of praising his team who helped put Thorpedo Anna in position to succeed.
"The team of people that I've had helping have been ... It's taken a team to help with everything," he said.
Sean Collins contributed to this story.
