Book'em Danno Out of Breeders' Cup Consideration

Atlantic Six Racing's reigning champion sprinter Book'em Danno will not participate in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) Oct. 31 at Keeneland, as he will not be ready in time to compete in a final prep race. The news was first reported by author Paul Halloran, who also writes for Saratoga Special and co-hosts the HHH Racing podcast. "We're not going to make the first race, so we're not going to go into (the Breeders' Cup) without a prep," trainer Derek Ryan told BloodHorse Sept. 6. Book'em Danno was the even-money favorite for the Aug. 29 Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course but was scratched after he got cast in his stall and sustained a minor leg injury. READ: Minor Injury Knocks Book'em Danno Out of Forego Now back home at Monmouth Park, Ryan said the New Jersey-bred Bucchero gelding is alright following the incident and has been in "light training" this week, but will not be geared up in time to make a start in either the $250,000 Vosburgh Stakes (G3) Sept. 26 at Belmont Park or the $400,000 Phoenix Stakes (G2) Oct. 2 at Keeneland. Having last raced with a victory in the Mr. Prospector Stakes July 17 at Monmouth Park, he would have to enter the Sprint off a 106-day layoff. Ryan said Book'em Danno will probably head to Ocala, Fla., and get a bit of time off before gearing up for a trip to Saudi Arabia for the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) Feb. 6 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Book'em Danno will target a prep race prior to then.