Champion Book ‘Em Danno Makes Season Debut in Carter
Atlantic Six Racing’s Book’em Danno Set for Seasonal Debut
Atlantic Six Racing’s Book’em Danno, the reigning Champion male sprinter, will make his seasonal debut in Saturday’s $300,000 Carter (G2), a seven-furlong sprint for older horses, at Aqueduct Racetrack. The 5-year-old Bucchero gelding, trained by Derek Ryan, is set to compete from post 2 under jockey Paco Lopez, carrying 124 pounds.
Book’em Danno has had a stellar career, earning Eclipse Award honors and securing his third successive New Jersey-bred horse of the year title. His four-win campaign included a trio of graded scores at Saratoga Race Course. He made history in June 2024 when he won the Woody Stephens, marking his first Grade 1 victory. Later that summer, he added the Grade 3 True North, Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt, and Grade 1 Forego to his resume, showcasing his dominance on the Spa track.
Ryan expressed confidence in Book’em Danno’s readiness for the season. “The break has done him the world of good. He’s bigger and stronger. He’s developed into a big horse. He’s training better this year than last,” he said. The horse has been preparing at Tampa Bay Downs, where he posted a strong series of works, including a three-eighths gate breeze in 37 seconds flat under Paco Lopez on March 27.
Ryan emphasized that the horse is on track for a successful campaign. “I don’t crank them. He’ll run his race, but he’ll have a lot of improvement from it, too.” He also noted that Book’em Danno will be selectively entered this year, with a focus on key races, including a return to Saratoga where he earned a career-best 111 Beyer Speed Figure for his 2 1/2-length Vanderbilt win.
Be You Makes Strong Return
Repole Stable’s Be You, trained by Todd Pletcher, has been a consistent performer, winning three of his last four starts. The 5-year-old Curlin gelding, who carries 122 pounds under jockey Kendrick Carmouche, has shown resilience after a more than one-year layoff. Since returning to the track, Be You has been near perfect, with a notable win over Knightsbridge in a recent event.
Pletcher highlighted that Be You has found his niche in one-turn events. “It seems like this is what he wants to do. He’s been able to be effective at longer and shorter distances, but I feel like seven furlongs is really his sweet spot.” Be You worked a half-mile in 49.10 seconds over the Belmont Park training track, showing promise for the upcoming race.
Rated by Merit Aims for Success
Chad Brown will saddle the undefeated multiple stakes-winner Rated by Merit, who is a perfect 5-for-5. The 4-year-old Battalion Runner colt, trained by St. Elias Stable, made a winning return from a more than 10-month layoff in October at Belmont. His recent performance in the Discovery earned a career-best 106 Beyer.
Rated by Merit has trained well at Payson Park in Florida, including a half-mile breeze in 49.20 on March 28. He is out of the winning Speightstown mare Banner Waving, with a lineage that includes multiple graded stakes-winning millionaires.
Other Contenders in the Field
A talented field includes dual graded stakes-placed Quint’s Brew, who enters from a win in Laurel Park’s Not For Love for trainer Ned Allard. Graded stakes-placed Acoustic Ave, cross-entered in a Thursday optional-claiming event, and multiple stakes winner Point Dume, who comes off a win in the General George (L) at Laurel Park, are also in contention.
Each of these horses brings unique strengths and experience to the race, making the $300,000 Carter (G2) a highly anticipated event. With top-tier competition, fans can expect an exciting showdown on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack.
