Extra Anejo Rolls to First Graded Win in Commonwealth

Living up to his name, Winchell Thoroughbreds' Extra Anejo  continues improving with age as shown by his first graded stakes victory April 8 in the $350,000 Commonwealth Stakes (G3) at Keeneland.

The 5-year-old son of Into Mischief   trained by Steve Asmussen has been a consistent winner since capturing his debut at 2 by 9 1/2 lengths at Keeneland going seven furlongs in 2022. The Commonwealth, run at the same distance, suited him again but with a different strategy.

Extra Anejo had won two previous starts at seven furlongs at or near the front. In the Commonwealth, jockey Flavien Prat aboard Extra Anejo allowed favorite Montalcino  to set the pace and take the field through sharp opening fractions of :21.83 and :44.48. Epic Ride  stalked Montalcino while Extra Anejo bided his time in midpack. As the field rounded into the stretch, Prat asked for run and his mount responded with a steady advance that carried him past the wire first by 1 1/2 lengths. 

The final time was 1:23.63. Montalcino was second and Hoist the Gold  was third.

Winchell Thoroughbreds bought Extra Anejo for $1.35 million at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale from the consignment of Mt. Brilliant Farm, which, along with Orrin Ingram, bred the colt out of the Hard Spun   winner Superioritycomplex . The colt's second dam is a half sister to 2003 champion grass mare Islington, whose four grade/group 1 wins include the 2003 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1T).