Ryan noncommittal on Book'em Danno plans
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Derek Ryan said Book’em Danno exited his popular and impressive 2 1/2-length victory over Mullikin in Saturday’s Grade 2 Vanderbilt in good order but remained noncommittal about what the future might hold for arguably the leader of the sprint division at the midway point of the season.
Book’em Danno earned a career- and division-best 111 Beyer Speed Figure for his effort in the Vanderbilt while keeping his record unblemished in four starts at six furlongs.
“I thought he came into the Vanderbilt training as well as he had for any race and we got a dry track, which he definitely handles and can grab better than a wet one,” Ryan said. “So it really didn’t surprise me he was able to run what I feel was the best race of his career on Saturday.”
Ryan said the Grade 1 Forego, a Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint here Aug. 23, is the most logical spot for Book’em Danno’s next start, although he remains reticent to discuss future plans or talk about the BC Sprint as a possible option at this point.
“Everything is up for grabs at the moment, the most important thing is doing right by the horse,” said Ryan whose long-range goal right along has been to take Book’em Danno back to race in Saudi Arabia next winter.
Book’em Danno finished second, beaten a head by Forever Young, as a 3-year-old in the 2023 Saudi Derby.
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