The notable daughter of Fast Anna returns this Saturday at Oaklawn Park, but how have the best of each season performed in their comebacks trom 2000 to the present?
By Diego H. Mitagstein
With great anticipation surrounding her return, Thorpedo Anna, the filly who captivated the U.S. racing world throughout 2024 and was crowned Horse of the Year at the recent Eclipse Awards, will make her comeback this Saturday in the Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park. The race, which covers 1,700 meters on dirt, carries a purse of $400,000.
Trained by Kenny McPeek, Thorpedo Anna is one of seven confirmed runners for the Azeri . Depending on her performance, the next steps are clear: either aim for the Apple Blossom (G1) at the same track or travel to Dubai to make history by becoming the first mare to win the Dubai World Cup (G1) at Meydan.
But beyond the Azeri, it’s worth revisiting the performances of the Horses of the Year from 2020 to the present and their results when first defending the prestigious title.
The Challenge of Defending the Title:
As a first fact, it’s important to note that 11 of the past Horses of the Year did not compete again after reaching the pinnacle of their careers. Among the most recent, five of the last six did not return to the track: Point Given (Thunder Gulch, 2001), Mineshaft (A.P. Indy, 2003), Saint Liam (Saint Ballado, 2005), Curlin (Smart Strike, 2008), Zenyatta(Street Cry, 2010), American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile, 2015), Justify (Scat Daddy, 2018), Bricks and Mortar(Giant's Causeway, 2019), Authentic (Into Mischief, 2020), Flightline (Tapit, 2022), and Cody’s Wish (Curlin, 2023).
However, there are a couple of notable exceptions, such as Curlin (2007), California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit, 2014 and 2016), and Wise Dan (Wiseman’s Ferry, 2012 and 2013), who were crowned Horse of the Year more than once and returned to compete after their first title.
Back in 2000, Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy) won Horse of the Year and made his return the following year with a win in the San Fernando Breeders' Cup Stakes (G2). His 2001 campaign culminated in a victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic(G1) before giving way to Point Given for the title.
In 2002, the Horse of the Year was Azeri (Jade Hunter), who returned to win the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1). Ghostzapper (Deputy Minister) dazzled in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic at Lone Star Park and would go on to capture the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) in 2005.
The Argentine champion Invasor (Candy Stripes) started 2007 with a win in the Donn Handicap (G1) and would later take the Dubai World Cup (G1). After claiming Horse of the Year in 2007, Curlin won a handicap race in Nad Al Sheba, UAE, during his comeback.
Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d’Oro) celebrated her title in 2009, but in 2010 she fell short in her return, finishing behind the Brazilian Zardana (Crimson Tide) in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes (L). Havre de Grace (Saint Liam) used that same race to return in 2012 after being crowned Horse of the Year in 2011, and she ended her career with a victory.
After her double Horse of the Year titles, Wise Dan (Wiseman’s Ferry) returned to win the Maker’s 46 Mile Stakes (G1) at Keeneland both times. Following his Horse of the Year title in 2014, California Chrome lost in the San Antonio Stakes (G2) upon his return in 2016. In 2016, the unforgettable chestnut won the Winter Challenge (L) at Los Alamitos, but later faltered in the Pegasus World Cup (G1). In 2018, Gun Runner (Candy Ride) made a strong comeback in the Pegasus World Cup after his Horse of the Year season, while Knicks Go (Paynter) finished second in the 2021 Pegasus after claiming his Horse of the Year title.
In total, from 2000 to the present, 13 of the Horses of the Year returned to compete after their titles, and 10 of them won their comeback races, with only three failing to do so.
The Burning Question:
As Thorpedo Anna prepares for her comeback in the Azeri Stakes, all eyes will be on her performance this Saturday. Will she continue the tradition of Horses of the Year returning strong and adding to the history books, or will she face challenges like some of her predecessors? As the excitement builds, racing fans hope that this remarkable filly joins the ranks of champions who shine brightly upon their return.
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