Book’em Danno, the talented sprinter owned by Atlantic Six Racing, is gearing up for a pivotal test in the Grade 2 Cigar Mile Handicap on December 7 at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Trainer Derek Ryan has opted to scratch the gelding from the Steel Valley Sprint at Mahoning Valley Race Course to focus on the $500,000 Cigar Mile, which he sees as a crucial stepping stone for a potential trip to the Saudi Cup in February.
The 3-year-old gelding by Bucchero has already made waves this year, with standout performances that position him as a versatile and competitive contender on the international horse racing schedule.
Book’em Danno Testing the Distance for Saudi Arabia
Book’em Danno is no stranger to the spotlight, having captured the Grade 1 Woody Stephens at Saratoga in June. The seven-furlong victory solidified his status as one of the top sprinters in the country.
However, Ryan is using the Cigar Mile to determine whether Book’em Danno is better suited for the six-furlong Riyadh Dirt Sprint or the 1 1/8-mile Saudi Cup, which boasts a staggering $20 million purse.
Earlier this year, Book’em Danno showed his potential for longer distances with a strong second-place finish in the Saudi Derby, where he narrowly lost by a head to Forever Young.
Ryan believes the Cigar Mile will serve as an audition for the Saudi Cup, noting that a strong performance could earn an invitation to the prestigious event. While Book’em Danno has already secured an invite for the Riyadh Dirt Sprint, the Saudi Cup remains the ultimate goal.
A Proven Competitor with Growing Versatility
Book’em Danno enters the Cigar Mile with a lifetime record of 6-3-1 from 10 starts and earnings of $1,018,125. His most recent effort came in the Grade 3 Perryville Stakes at Keeneland, where he finished a close second by a neck over seven furlongs. This performance, along with his Grade 1 victory earlier in the season, demonstrates his ability to compete at the highest level of horse racing odds.
Ryan has noted a shift in the gelding’s running style, observing that Book’em Danno is beginning to relax more and come from off the pace. This versatility could be a key factor in determining his success at the Saudi Cup’s longer distance.
The stakes are high, with the Saudi Cup offering payouts down to eighth place, making the event a lucrative opportunity for top-tier horses. Ryan remains optimistic about Book’em Danno’s chances, emphasizing the importance of the Cigar Mile as a defining moment in his racing career.
Book’em Danno’s journey to the Saudi Cup highlights the strategic planning and adaptability required in elite horse racing. Fans and bettors alike will keep a close eye on his performance in the Cigar Mile as they analyze horse racing odds and potential outcomes for one of the sport’s richest events.
