The $1-million dollar Pennsylvania Derby is the premier racing event at Parx Racing just outside of Philadelphia.

The race has turned into a top prep for 3-year-olds on their way to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The Pennsylvania Derby was first held in 1979 and it achieved graded status in 1981. 

On Saturday the track formerly known as Philadelphia Park will be the last opportunity for this group to face each other in Grade 1 company prior to the BC.

While the PA Derby certainly warrants the requisite prestige and admiration given to a G1, million dollar contest, this years edition will be sharing the spotlight with filly THORPEDO ANNA.

The horse-of-the-year candidate will be taking her last intra-divisional turn against 3-year-old fillies in the $1 million dollar Cotillion on Friday.

After a narrow loss to 2023 division champion FIERCENESS last month in a memorable running of the Travers (G1), the three-time Grade 1 Winner THORPEDA ANNA will not be facing colts and geldings this weekend.

Trainer Kenny McPeek said there are a million green-colored reasons to run her only against fillies this week.

This will be her last step before facing older fillies and mares November 2nd in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

Horses who have won the race include Smarten, Dixieland Band, Broad Brush, Afleet, Summer Squall, Macho Uno, Harlan’s Holiday, Sun King, To Honor and Serve, Will Take Charge and Bayern.