Reigning Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna didn't have to sweat too much in her season-opening win Saturday in the $400,000 Azeri (G2) at Oaklawn Park.

2024 might have been the Year of the Dragon, but in the land of U.S. Thoroughbred racing, it was the Year of the “Grizzly.”

The finalists for the 2024 Eclipse Awards were announced on Sunday, except for the identities of the Horse of the Year candidates.

Thorpedo Anna outclassed rivals in Saturday’s $1,728,000 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar, drawing off to a 2 1/2-length decision.

Leading three-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna was expected to waltz in Saturday’s Cotillion (G1) at Parx, but the 1-10 favorite had to grind it out instead.

In different circumstances, Kentucky Oaks (G1) romper Thorpedo Anna would have tackled the boys in the Belmont (G1).

***Updated after the draw with post positions and morning line odds

Entering this historic weekend of racing at Churchill Downs, both the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) had proven elusive prizes for Kentucky-born trainer Kenny McPeek. He can now put a checkmark beside the Oaks after Thorpedo Anna's convincing score in the 150th edition of the 1 1/8-mile fixture for three-year-old fillies on Friday.

Seven weeks out from the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, bettors are having trouble landing on a clear favorite, as evidenced by the results of Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 5.