Thorpedo Anna Wins 3-Year-Old Debut Moves-Up Standings

March 10 (UPI) – This weekend’s horse racing action saw Thorpedo Anna deliver a strong performance in her 3-year-old debut at Oaklawn Park, while Owen Almighty secured a key victory in the Tampa Bay Derby. Across the country, other contenders showed promise on both dirt and turf, setting the stage for an eventful season.

Thorpedo Anna, the 2024 U.S. Horse of the Year, started her 2025 campaign on a high note by winning Saturday’s 400,000 Grade II Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park. She took control in the stretch after briefly facing pressure from Free Like a Girl but pulled away with ease. Under jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., she finished the 1 1/16 miles on a wet-fast track with a 3 1/2-length advantage.

Trainer Kenny McPeek confirmed that Thorpedo Anna will continue training in New Orleans before a likely return to Oaklawn Park for the 1.2 million Grade I Apple Blossom on April 12. The race will be a key test as she continues her campaign against top-level competition.

Cavalieri extended her winning streak to four with a strong performance in the $300,000 Grade I B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile at Santa Anita. The Nyquist filly, trained by Bob Baffert, edged out pacesetter Richi by three-quarters of a length, covering the mile in 1:34.96 with Juan Hernandez aboard.

Meanwhile, at Oaklawn Park, racing fans had their eyes on Thorpedo Anna, who delivered another standout performance. Thorpedo Anna has been a dominant force, solidifying her place among top contenders. Her most recent race in Oaklawn Park showed off dramatic bursts of pace and staying power in temperamental conditions. This seems to make her a live prospect for the stakes races ahead.

Midwest invader Tarifa settled for third in the field, which featured a mix of established and rising contenders. With this victory, Cavalieri remains unbeaten and is expected to take on bigger challenges in the coming months. Meanwhile, Thorpedo Anna continues to make headlines, proving she is one to watch. As she gears up for her next test at Oaklawn Park, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for this talented filly.

In Saturday’s 400,000 Grade III Tampa Bay Derby, Owen Almighty left no doubt about his ability to handle the distance, winning by 3 1/2 lengths. The Speightstown colt, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., broke sharply from the inside post and maintained his lead from start to finish.

Chancer McPatrick finished second, followed by Hill Road in third. Race favorite Patch Adams struggled to close the gap and settled for fourth. The owners must now choose whether to follow Derby plans or consider other available races.

With Thorpedo Anna likely heading to the Apple Blossom and Cavalieri maintaining her undefeated record, racing fans will have plenty to watch in the coming weeks. Owen Almighty’s next step remains uncertain, but his Tampa Bay Derby performance has positioned him as a serious contender in the 3-year-old division.

As Derby prep races continue, more contenders will rise, shaping the competition leading into the first Saturday in May. As we move along with the training, we now have a better idea of who possesses the ability to compete at the highest level.