Churchill Downs Update: Kentucky Oaks Winner Thorpedo Anna Returns to Work Tab

May 16, 2024 Kevin Kerstein

Thorpedo Anna, the champion of the 150th Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), returned to the Churchill Downs work tab Thursday with a half-mile breeze in :48 with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. in the saddle.

Owned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing, Thorpedo Anna began her training session soon after the track opened at 5:30 a.m. (all times Eastern). The Kenny McPeek trainee covered an opening quarter-mile in :24 and continued her work past the wire, galloping out five furlongs in 1:00.60, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.

According to McPeek, Thorpedo Anna will target the June 7 Acorn Stakes (GI) at Saratoga, part of the Belmont Stakes Festival.

KAZAKHSTANI STAR KABIRKHAN ARRIVES AT CHURCHILL DOWNS – One of the most popular horses to ever compete in Kazakhstan and Russia, Kabirkhan, has arrived at Churchill Downs to trainer Brad Cox and will compete in North America this summer and fall.

The colt, sired by Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome, has only two blemishes in his 12-race career while sporting victories on dirt and synthetic racetracks. Owned by Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev, Kabirkhan began his career a perfect 8-for-8 winning Grade I events at Russia’s Pyatigorsk and Nalchik along with Kazakhstan’s Almaty.

Kabirkhan arrived at Churchill Downs on Sunday and has galloped each day.

“We’re just starting to get to know him and how he moves,” Cox said. “We’ll get to know him a bit more then start to get a couple works under him before we make any plans.”

Kabirkhan most recently finished a disappointing eighth in the Dubai World Cup (GI) in late March.

THIS WEEK AT CHURCHILL DOWNS – A jam-packed four-day race week at Churchill Downs will kick off with “Twilight Thursday” featuring eight races, $2 domestic beer at the East Paddock Bar, live music from Shane Dawson and local food truck fare from DonutNV, Hot Buns, Lil Cheezers, Ramiro’s Mexican and Str8 Drop. First post is 5 p.m. and there was an $11,305 carryover in the 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot that begins with Race 3.

Friday will have nine-races on tap with a first post of 12:45 p.m.

Saturday is “Downs After Dark: Golf & Social” with a special 6 p.m. first post. The evening features 11 races including the 87th running of the $250,000 Louisville (GIII) in Race 7. Fans are encouraged to dress in golf-chic apparel in honor of the PGA Championship being held this week at Louisville’s Valhalla Golf Club. Live music on the Plaza Stage will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Soul Circus followed by DJ Glittertitz at 8:30 p.m. Fans can begin their evening by cheering on Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan as he competes in the second jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes (GI). A live simulcast of the race will be shown on the Big Board and TVs throughout the facility following Race 3. More information is available at www.churchilldowns.com.

Sunday’s nine-race card will begin at 12:45 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for a special Stakes Room Brunch for $84 with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

To view the full calendar of events, visit: www.churchilldowns.com/calendar.

DOWN THE STRETCH – “Inside Churchill Downs” will return Friday, May 24 on ESPN Louisville. This week’s show will not air due to the station’s live coverage of the PGA Championship at Valhalla. For more information about the Churchill Downs Spring Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com.