Book’em Danno Considers Monmouth Park Homecoming Following True North Victory
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Following his second consecutive win in the Grade 3 True North Stakes at Saratoga, the New Jersey-bred gelding Book’em Danno may return to Monmouth Park for his next start.
The horse is being considered for the Mr. Prospector Stakes, a six-furlong race scheduled for July 17. Under the race’s conditions, the purse would double to $200,000 if a multiple Grade 1 winner participates. The event would serve as a celebration of the 2025 champion sprinter, as Book’em Danno is owned by Atlantic Six Racing, a group of partners who primarily reside near Monmouth Park. Trainer Derek Ryan noted that the race is “penciled in” and mentioned that Dennis Drazin, head of Monmouth’s management team, has been supportive.
Book’em Danno was shipped back to Monmouth on Sunday, one day after his three-quarter length victory over Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Bentornato. This win was Book’em Danno’s first of the current year, following a second-place finish in April’s Grade 2 Carter at Aqueduct. The victory also marks his fifth win in six starts at Saratoga and his 11th win from 18 career starts.
Book’em Danno earned the title of champion sprinter based on three graded stakes wins at Saratoga last summer: the Forego, Alfred G. Vanderbilt, and True North. Because he skipped the Breeders’ Cup Sprint—which was won by Bentornato—there had been some debate regarding his Eclipse Award; however, Ryan believes this recent victory “put that to bed.” Ryan also stated that running in the Mr. Prospector would not prevent Book’em Danno from returning to Saratoga for the Grade 1 Forego on August 29.
Meanwhile, Bentornato will stay at Saratoga as part of a small string of horses for trainer Jose D’Angelo. Bentornato is being considered for the $400,000 Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt on July 25, as well as the $400,000 Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar, both of which are six-furlong races. Bentornato previously won the BC Sprint at Del Mar last year.
A future meeting between Book’em Danno and Bentornato is unlikely to occur until the BC Sprint on October 31 at Keeneland.
