This year, a filly will try her luck against  seven talented colts. If Thorpedo Anna wins, she will be the first filly to have the canoe painted in her silks colors since 1915. The daughter of Fast Anna has little left to prove against her female rivals, so trainer Kenny McPeek decided to take a leap of faith.  He already made headlines this year by winning both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby the first weekend in May. Ben Jones was the last trainer to win both races the same year in 1952. 

 

Early in her career, McPeek referred to Thorpedo Anna as a gorilla. After her winning debut last fall, he wheeled her back twice on two weeks rest, then did not run her again until March of this year. She is undefeated (4-4) in 2024. If possible, she is bigger, faster, and even stronger now. I am not sure we have seen the true limits of her racing capabilities. 

 

That being said, Thorpedo Anna will face the biggest challenge of her life Saturday. This is a very fast and talented field of colts. There is a lot of speed in the race…and little room for error as she and jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. navigate a mile and a quarter – an eighth of a mile more than she has ever run – from post position one. 

 

So who, exactly, is the competition?

 

* Dornoch: Full brother to Kentucky Derby winner Mage and winner of both the 2024 G1 Belmont in June and the G1 Haskell in July.

 

* Fierceness: Recent winner of the G2 Jim Dandy over the Saratoga race course. Winner of the G1 Florida Derby and the 2023 G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. 

 

* Sierra Leone: Runner-up in the 2024 Kentucky Derby and the Jim Dandy. Winner of the 2023 G1 Bluegrass Stakes. 

 

In addition to these accomplished colts, there are a few new faces in the mix. I suspect Unmatched Wisdom for trainer Chad Brown is in the race as a “rabbit” to ensure a fast pace for his stable mate Sierra Leone. And, Jockey Flavian Prat stays aboard Sierra Leone despite the fact that he is the only jockey to ever pilot Unmatched Wisdom in his short but undefeated racing career. That being said, Unmatched Wisdom gets the services of Irad Ortiz, Jr., who is one of the best in the business.  

 

Trainer Bill Mott sends out Batten Down. He has the only win at the distance.  Mott is a super smart trainer and places his horses well. But Batten Down would need the race of his life to beat these. 

 

The Saratoga track has been playing to frontrunners all summer. That does not bode well for Sierra Leone and Honor Marie. However, as previously mentioned, there is a lot of speed in this race.  The other six starters like to be on or close to the pace; so, it could set up well for the better of these two closers, Sierra Leone. And, Flavian Prat has a reputation as an extremely strong closing jockey. 

 

Other than the Bluegrass victory back in April, Sierra Leone has settled for second or third in his races this year. He just has not been able to get up in time to finish the job. And, Fierceness,  another strong contender, has developed a pattern of winning every other race. I suppose if a horse blatantly shows you who they are, you should believe them. 

 

Dornoch is likely to be the favorite at post time. His back to back G1 victories make him the obvious choice. But Thorpedo Anna is likely to take some emotional money. And, there are those who will ride that Fierceness/Sierra Leone exacta right up the track. 

 

It is going to be a very interesting race to both bet and watch. I’ll be ready! How about you?