Atlantic Six Racing LLC's Book'em Danno (Bucchero) breezed five furlongs in 1:02 Sunday morning at Tampa Bay Downs, the quickest of 12 moves at the distance, and connections have confirmed that they are moving forward with plans to contest the $1.5-million G3 Saudi Derby on the Saudi Cup undercard Saturday, Feb. 24.
The work was the first for the New Jersey-bred gelding since a 12 1/2-length victory in the seven-furlong Pasco S. Jan. 13.
“It was an easy breeze and he finished well by himself,” part-owner Jay Briscione texted. “We have accepted the invitation [for the Saudi Derby] and we are on track to go.”
Following the Pasco, Book'em Danno's third win at stakes level, trainer Derek Ryan told TDN's Bill Finley that he harbored “no Derby dreams,” making the Saudi option–a one-turn, 1600-meter contest, a logical alternative.
Briscione said that he and his Atlantic Six partners have been approached about selling Book'em Danno.
“We have fielded some offers, there has been interest, but we have not sold any part of him,” Briscione texted.
Book'em Danno, whose lone defeat to date was in his juvenile finale in the Nashua S., also a one-turn mile, has amassed earnings to date of $260,625.
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