Atlantic Six Racing was presented with an offer for Book’em Danno during the previous racing season, when he was three years old. The offer was so considerable that it prompted each member of the ownership group to pause and consider what was most important to them.
While partner Jim Scappi did not disclose the precise sum, he indicated that it was substantial. “We were offered such a significant amount of money,” he stated, “that we’ll never earn that much back through racing.”
Despite the allure of a potentially huge financial gain, Scappi emphasized to the other partners that the experience itself was invaluable. “Guys,” he said, “there isn’t anything else in life that provides this much enjoyment.”
They had no idea that their decision to keep the New Jersey-bred gelding was only the beginning of their exciting journey. Their reported $30,000 private acquisition of the son of Bucchero, whose dam is Adorabella, has proven to be a remarkably fast horse who may be unparalleled.
Book’em Danno achieved widespread recognition during the summer season by decisively winning three competitive races at Saratoga Race Course: the Grade 3 True North Stakes on June 7, the Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes on July 19, and the Grade 1 Forego Stakes on August 23.
When trainer Derek Ryan was questioned about whether he believed he had the leading sprinter in the nation at his Monmouth Park stable, he responded, “Why wouldn’t I? What could be better than winning all three of those Saratoga races?”
Book’em Danno won the 6 ½-furlong True North by a length and a quarter, surging past Mullikin with a late burst on a wet track. He overcame a stumble and a bump at the start to dominate the six-furlong Vanderbilt by 2 ½ lengths. He then held off Scotland’s strong challenge to win the Forego by a length at seven furlongs.
According to Scappi, three different partners approached him after the Forego to express their gratitude. “Thank you for persuading us not to sell.”
No one had predicted that Book’em Danno, whose name was chosen by partner Mark Rubenstein and is inspired by the catchphrase from the classic television program Hawaii Five-O, would demonstrate such exceptional speed.
“Just to compete in those three races is difficult enough,” Ryan commented, “let alone win all three.”
There was little in Danno’s lineage to suggest that he would achieve such a remarkable feat. Bucchero’s stud fee was $5,000 when Adorabella, a mare that never raced, was bred to him. Furthermore, the sprinter’s physical build is not particularly impressive.
“He’s not an elegant mover,” Ryan observed. “He wouldn’t meet any of the standard criteria at a sale, not at all.”
Jay Briscione, the managing partner of Atlantic Six, is consistently amazed by a horse that has far exceeded their initial expectations. The primary goal of the New Jersey-based partnership, comprised of friends and business associates, was to take advantage of the limited number of state-bred horses with a runner capable of progressing through his allowance conditions against similar competition.
Briscione frequently asks Ryan what distinguishes Danno from his fast rivals. Ryan’s response: “Heart and determination.”
This combination has proven highly effective, resulting in 10 victories in 16 starts, along with three second-place finishes and one third-place finish, accumulating earnings of $1,855,425. Victories have been achieved at Monmouth, Aqueduct, Tampa Bay Downs, Colonial Downs, and Saratoga.
Danno finished outside of the top three on only two occasions. He finished fifth after being asked to run beyond his preferred distance in the Cigar Mile Handicap Presented by Twinspires.com last December at Aqueduct. He narrowly missed a placing by a neck, finishing fourth behind Mindframe, Banishing, and Nysos in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes Presented by Ford as part of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve undercard.
Those who wish to witness Danno’s exceptional heart need only observe him racing. If he can summon the will to reach the finish line first, he will do so. As for his intelligence, Ryan stated, “He understands what is required and when it is required.”
Danno’s special qualities are matched by the way he is managed. Despite his unusual gait, the gelding has flourished under Ryan’s guidance. The trainer carefully considers each race before making a decision.
“There are trainers, and then there are horsemen. Nowadays, not every trainer is a horseman,” Briscione noted. “Derek is both a horseman and a trainer, and he has done an absolutely incredible job with this horse. The consistency this horse has maintained since his 2-year-old year is remarkable.”
The addition of Paco Lopez to the team has been a significant advantage. Ryan wanted a jockey who was willing to work with Danno to gain a thorough understanding of him and who would commit to riding him consistently, regardless of where or when he competed. Their partnership has been successful since Lopez joined the team.
Danno is scheduled to have one more race this season. Ryan, who had initially ruled out the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar to prolong the gelding’s career, has reconsidered and included that race as a possibility.
Regardless of how Danno’s memorable season concludes, his success serves as a reminder that the Sport of Kings welcomes those who are not wealthy or famous.
“If you are considering leaving the sport, a horse like Book’em Danno should make you reconsider,” Briscione stated. “And if you are thinking about joining the sport, Danno is the kind of horse that should inspire you. You don’t need to spend a million dollars.”
Gather a group of friends, invest around $30,000 in a horse that may not appear exceptional, and the experience can be invaluable.
