Extra Anejo Nearing First Work on Comeback Trail

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Extra Anejo , unraced since a dazzling maiden win in October, is still about two weeks away from his first timed work on the comeback trail, putting his Triple Crown prospects in a tight time frame.

"He is galloping toward his first official work which is probably two weeks away, though don't hold me to that," said David Fiske, racing manager for Winchell Thoroughbreds. "Everything depends on when we can start working him. I would say the Preakness (G1) is probably a better opportunity than the Kentucky Derby (G1) right now."

The 1 1/4-mile Derby is May 6, the 1 3/16-mile Preakness May 20.

The 3-year-old son of Into Mischief   and $1.35 million Keeneland September Yearling Sale graduate is currently galloping for trainer Steve Asmussen at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

"He was only away from the track for 30 days and he didn't gain as much weight as he could have. He's a big eater," Fiske said.

After winning his Oct. 13 debut at Keeneland by 9 1/2 lengths, Extra Anejo was the individual favorite in the first Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool. However, he experienced a hind ankle injury that sidelined him until mid-January, when he was cleared by equine surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage to return to Asmussen's barn.

"He had a hind sesamoid (injury) that according to Dr. Bramlage was very much like Life Is Good  's injury," Fiske said, referring to the now retired 5-year-old who won four grade 1 stakes after suffering the injury early in his 3-year-old season. "It was easily dealt with, and hopefully he can come back as good as Life Is Good did."