Book'em Danno, the reigning male sprint champion, made a triumphant return to his New Jersey roots at Monmouth Park, solidifying his status as a local hero. This event, dubbed 'Book'em Danno Day', was a celebration of the horse's achievements and the pride of the Garden State.
The atmosphere at the Oceanport, New Jersey, oval was electric. The crowd, both inside and outside the paddock, rivaled the excitement usually reserved for prestigious races like the Haskell Stakes. The $221,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes saw Book'em Danno, a multiple grade 1 winner, edge away in the final furlong, prevailing by 1 1/4 lengths over Quint's Brew, who was an overwhelming 1-9 favorite.
This victory marked Book'em Danno's fourth at Monmouth, extending his winning streak to 4-for-4. His performance was all the more impressive considering the heavy wagering on the favorite, with $2.10 payoffs and minus pools of $2,620 for win and $2,196 for place. The 5-year-old son of Ghostzapper has now won 12 of 19 starts and increased his record earnings for a Jersey-bred to $2,270,425.
The horse's success is a testament to the hard work of his connections, including Jay Briscione, Derek Ryan, and the ownership group. Briscione expressed his exhilaration, highlighting the horse's consistent performance and the joy of winning at their home track. Ryan's strategic decision to skip the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes at Saratoga in favor of the Mr. Prospector Stakes proved fruitful, setting the stage for Book'em Danno's next big race, the Forego Stakes at Saratoga.
This victory not only showcases Book'em Danno's racing prowess but also highlights the importance of local breeding and ownership in the horse racing industry. The horse's success has brought pride to New Jersey and has solidified his place as a star in the racing world. As Book'em Danno continues his journey towards the Breeders' Cup Sprint, his story serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the magic of sports.
