Book'em Danno Withdraws from Breeders' Cup Sprint Due to Insufficient Preparation Time
Book'em Danno, a prominent figure in the sprinting world, will be absent from the upcoming $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint scheduled for October 31st at Keeneland. His trainer, Derek Ryan, made the difficult choice to withdraw the champion due to a lack of sufficient time for a preparatory race. This situation arose after Book'em Danno was unexpectedly scratched from the Forego Stakes (G1) on August 29th at Saratoga. The horse, an even-money favorite, was deemed unsound by regulatory veterinarians after getting cast in his stall the night before the race, leading to a mandatory 14-day placement on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's veterinarians' list. This incident disrupted his training schedule, making it impossible to fit in a crucial prep race.
Despite this setback, Book'em Danno is reportedly recovering well, with light training resuming at Monmouth Park. The initial target for the gelding was the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) in February, and this goal remains. Ryan is considering the Elite Power Stakes in December as a potential preparatory race for the Saudi Arabian event. This strategic shift reflects the team's commitment to ensuring Book'em Danno is in peak condition for his next major competition, prioritizing his well-being and long-term career over an immediate, potentially rushed, Breeders' Cup appearance.
Preparation Challenges Force Breeders' Cup Withdrawal
The decision to withdraw Book'em Danno from the highly anticipated Breeders' Cup Sprint stems from a recent setback during the Forego Stakes. As the favored contender, the horse was scratched just before the race due to an unfortunate incident where he became cast in his stall. This led to a mandatory period on the veterinarians' list, significantly impacting his training regimen. Trainer Derek Ryan concluded that the reduced preparation time would not allow the champion sprinter to compete at his optimal level, thus making the difficult but necessary choice to skip the prestigious event.
The events leading to Book'em Danno's withdrawal from the Breeders' Cup Sprint began with an unexpected incident at the Forego Stakes. On August 29th, the horse, a strong favorite, was scratched by regulatory veterinarians after being found unsound following a night spent cast in his stall. This designation by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority placed him on a 14-day mandatory rest period, which effectively derailed his planned preparatory schedule. Trainer Derek Ryan stated that without the opportunity for a crucial prep race, such as the Vosburgh Stakes or Phoenix Stakes, Book'em Danno would have entered the Breeders' Cup Sprint after a significant 106-day layoff. The lack of adequate time to prepare the five-year-old gelding to his usual competitive standards ultimately led to the decision to withdraw from the $2 million race at Keeneland, ensuring his welfare and future performance are prioritized.
Future Prospects: Riyadh Dirt Sprint and Beyond
Despite the disappointment of missing the Breeders' Cup, the team behind Book'em Danno is already looking ahead to future challenges. The primary target for the accomplished sprinter is now the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) in February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. This long-term goal provides ample time for the gelding to fully recover and undergo a comprehensive training program. Trainer Derek Ryan is also exploring the possibility of using the Elite Power Stakes in December as a strategic stepping stone, allowing Book'em Danno to regain his competitive edge before heading to Saudi Arabia.
Following his withdrawal from the Breeders' Cup Sprint, Book'em Danno's connections have shifted their focus to the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) on February 6th at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Trainer Derek Ryan confirmed that this prestigious race in Saudi Arabia is now the main objective for the talented Bucchero gelding. To ensure he is in prime condition for this international event, Ryan is considering a possible prep race, the Elite Power Stakes, scheduled for December 5th at Belmont Park as part of the Cigar Mile card. After this, Book'em Danno is expected to be sent to Ocala, Florida, for a period of rest and recuperation before commencing his specialized training for the journey to Saudi Arabia. The horse has previous experience at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, having finished second in the 2024 Saudi Derby (G3). This forward-looking strategy demonstrates a commitment to his long-term career and maximizing his potential on the global stage, with Atlantic Six Racing owning the accomplished gelding.