Extra Anejo Back on Course for Kentucky Derby

While there are several months remaining until the 2023 edition of the Kentucky Derby, the field is starting to assemble for the "fastest two minutes in sport." May 6 is the date for the diary and all potential horses will have already started their preparation.

One piece of important news concerns Extra Anejo. Listed as second favorite in early declarations, the horse’s participation has been in some doubt. However, after successful surgery, the Steve Asmussen trained horse is back on track for Churchill Downs.

Where Does Extra Anejo Slot in?

When Extra Anejo was first lined up for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, the horse entered the markets as the second favorite. Amidst those injury concerns, the two-year-old has slipped fractionally down the betting.

Reports suggest that it wasn’t a major concern and the horse was dealing with a small chip in a hind ankle. Asmussen’s runner is likely to make a full recovery, but any break in preparation isn’t ideal and the injury to Extra Anejo could just hamper his chances of claiming the Kentucky Derby crown.

There hasn’t been too much fluctuation in market prices, but the betting for the Derby does reflect the horse’s injury concerns to an extent.

The Favorites

At the head of the moneyline markets, Forte currently leads the way while the chasing pack includes Cave Rock, Arabian Knight and Loggins. Extra Anejo carries a mix of odds, but most sportsbooks list this horse as the fifth favorite.

There is plenty of time for those numbers to change and the best horse racing betting sites affiliated with Sbo.net will be constantly monitoring the markets. Updates will be shown on the site as they come in and they will be available until the winner of the 2023 Kentucky Derby is confirmed. 

While studying the odds, visitors to the SBO site can take in breaking news and other supporting information, together with extensive reviews of each sportsbook. Any of those outlets will also be willing to accept new customers for those who want to take things a step further. 

Subject to eligibility and a completed sign up form, it’s likely that a welcome promotion will be in place to get the account moving. A range of deposit methods are there for initial funds while regular players may be able to enjoy a host of other benefits.

Ongoing bonuses and loyalty programs may be available, while customers can almost certainly access alternative sports, in-play markets and a mobile app. 

It’s a useful site for all forms of horse racing, but who is likely to emerge triumphant at the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

The Verdict

Current news stories mostly revolve around Extra Anejo, but is this the horse we should be monitoring? After all, the Asmussen runner has only had one outing in his career to date. That performance returned a win in a maiden special back in Keeneland back in October.

One win from one start is promising, but it’s the nature of that victory that has got the betting community excited. Extra Anejo coasted home by a full nine and a half lengths and his place at the 2023 Kentucky Derby was considered likely from that moment on.

Forte is clear at the top of the betting market and it’s easy to see why. The Todd Pletcher trained horse has won each of his last three outings, all of which have come since September. The only time that Forte failed to top the podium came in July when he finished fourth in a field of 12 at Saratoga.

Elsewhere, Cave Rock has risen through the markets to claim the clear second favorite’s berth. Trained by Bob Baffert, this horse has also won three of the four races that he has entered. The key stat in Cave Rock’s record came on his last outing. At Keeneland in November, Baffert’s runner suffered his only defeat so far as Kentucky Derby favorite Forte beat him by one and a half lengths.

It’s the highlight of the Churchill Downs calendar and, whatever happens, the Kentucky Derby should provide another fast and thrilling two minutes. Forte is the favorite for a very good reason, but the potential of Extra Anejo adds an unknown quantity to the betting markets.