By Bill Finley
The Book ‘em Danno story has always been a good one, and it still is. But the narrative has changed. This is no longer about a plucky New Jersey-bred with the clever name who wins a race here and there. It’s about a genuine star.
“Danno” did it again last week at Saratoga, winning the GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes at Saratoga by 2 ½ lengths. It was his ninth win from 15 career starts and his seventh stakes win. Three of his graded stakes victories have come at Saratoga. His career earnings are now $1,580,425.
“We’re so fortunate to be in this position and we are enjoying the ride,” said Jay Briscione, who heads Atlantic Six Racing, a group of six friends from the Jersey Shore who are partners on the horse. “But we are aware how fragile these horses are. Look at what happened to (Met Mile winner) Raging Torrent, who came down with a suspensory injury. You can’t get too far ahead of yourself, and I think that is what (Trainer) Derek (Ryan) is saying, too. An Eclipse Award would be the culmination of everything he has accomplished, and that would be spectacular. And, for us, the owners. who would have ever imagined that we’d even be in the conversation for an Eclipse Award?”
After winning the GIII True North S. in his previous start, Book ‘em Danno looked like he was going to be hard to beat in the Vanderbilt. With Paco Lopez aboard and bet down to 7-5 favoritism, he had few anxious moments, taking over in mid-stretch before drawing clear.
“Yes, I think it was his best race ever,” trainer Derek Ryan said. “He came into this race the best he has ever come into a race. In the end, he was pretty dominant. He won on the bridle in the end. He just put in a big, big effort. He is so consistent, which is remarkable. You always hope that as a 4-year-old they get a little stronger and they get a little faster. You look at his sheet, and that’s exactly what is happening. It’s just a blessing.”
Though the connections are “taking it one race at a time,” there’s no reason why they can’t dream a little bit. The next start will likely come in the Aug. 23 GI Forego at Saratoga.
“He’s run in three stakes this year and his races are getting better,” Briscione said. “In the Vanderbilt he got to run on a fast track for the first time in three races. He got a 111 Beyer and that’s a stratosphere kind of thing. He loves it in Saratoga.”
Should he win the Forego, the connections will have some tough choices to make. Ryan, for one, is not necessarily a big Breeders’ Cup fan.
“I don’t think it makes sense to pay a lot of money to run in that race,” Ryan said of the $60,000 entry fee that would have to be paid to run Danno in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. There are plenty of other good races around the country.”
Ever since Book ‘em Danno ran second in the 2024 Saudi Derby, Ryan has wanted to go back to the Middle East. He has his eye on the 2026 $20 million GI Saudi Cup. The problem is that the race is at a mile-and-an-eighth and Book ‘em Danno has never won beyond seven furlongs.
“A good horse will do anything you want, six furlongs, seven furlongs,” Ryan said. “I could get him to go a mile and an eighth no problem, especially in the Saudi Cup. It’s one turn and it’s worth an awful lot of money. He’ll have no problem going a mile and an eighth.”
Briscione is more bullish on the Breeders’ Cup Sprint than his trainer is.
“As far as the Breeders’ Cup being a target, you have to take it as it comes.,” Briscione said. “If we’re fortunate enough that he’s healthy and running the same kind of way, the Breeders’ Cup would always be an option. He’s run hard and fast every time, but we haven’t over-raced him.”
Another race that will surely come under consideration is the Sept. 27 Vosburgh at Aqueduct, and that’s because it is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Sprint. Should Danno win that race, the $60,000 entry fee will be paid by the Breeders’ Cup, plus there is a $10,000 travel allowance to offset the costs of shipping.
For Briscione and his five partners, it’s been a ride they never dreamt was possible. And the horse is only four, is a gelding, and appears to be perfectly sound. This story may be far from over.
“When we bought this horse, we were hoping for a Jersey-bred horse that could go through his conditions. That’s all,” Briscione said. “He’s turned into a dynamo. The way he cranks these races out he’s incredible to watch. He’s as consistent as any horse I’ve seen this year. He seems to be a horse where people can get on the bandwagon. The owners, we’re a fun story, too, because it shows that the little guy can compete at the top level. You just need to have a little luck.”
Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of New Jersey
