Breeders' Cup options open for Thorpedo Anna after Fleur de Lis win

Not only did reigning Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna get back on track in Saturday's $498,500 Fleur de Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs, but she has trainer Kenny McPeek thinking big again about her year-end plans.

Roughed up entering the clubhouse turn and subsequently last of seven in the La Troienne (G1) when last seen on May 2, Thorpedo Anna enjoyed a much smoother trip in the Fleur de Lis, a Breeders' Cup Challenge prep for the Distaff (G1) at Del Mar in November.

Although Thorpedo Anna punched her ticket for a Distaff title defense with a three-length tally in the Fleur de Lis over pacesetter Royal Spa, McPeek didn't rule out the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) against males with the four-year-old daughter of Fast Anna, provided she takes care of interim business in the Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga and the Spinster (G1) at Keeneland.

"If she were to jump through those two hoops before the season's out, I would contemplate running her in the Classic," McPeek said.

Under regular rider Brian Hernandez Jr., Thorpedo Anna overtook Royal Spa approaching the stretch and drew off as an odds-on choice. She covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.52 over a fast track and paid $2.70.

Royal Spa, last-out winner of the Shawnee (G3), held second by 4 1/4 lengths over Taxed. Gin Gin and Save Time rounded out the field of five.

The La Troienne was the only race in Thorpedo Anna's 14-race career in which she finished worse than second. The Fleur de Lis was the ninth stakes win for the Kentucky-bred four-year-old, who is owned in partnership by breeder Judy Hicks, Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, and Magdalena Racing.

Thorpedo Anna kicked off her 2025 campaign with back-to-back wins in the Azeri (G2) and Apple Blossom H. (G1), both at Oaklawn Park.

Later in the card, Roll On Big Joe made it 2-for-2 during the Churchill spring meet by taking the $220,000 Kelly's Landing (G3), a 6 1/2-furlong dash for older horses.

Sent off as the third choice, Roll On Big Joe stalked pacesetter Booth before seizing control at the top of the stretch. Under Julien Leparoux, Roll On Big Joe covered the course in 1:15.22 and paid $11.90.

Dr. Venkman, slightly favored over Booth at 1.71-1, finished second by a head over Durante. Booth, cool on the board despite entering the Kelly's Landing on a four-stakes win streak, weakened to fourth in the field of eight.

Roll On Big Joe, who landed the Palos Verdes (G3) at Santa Anita by four lengths in mid-February, entered Saturday's race off a 1 1/2-length optional claiming score on May 16. The Kelly's Landing was the seventh win in 18 starts for the five-year-old son of Prospective, who was bred in Florida.

Bob Hess trains Roll On Big Joe for the partnership of Rancho Temescal, White Fence, and Richard Hale Jr.