The stretch run of Saturday\u2019s Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt looked awfully familiar, as Book\u2019em Danno ran down Mullikin in a repeat of last month\u2019s Grade 3 True North, also at Saratoga. Jockey Paco Lopez had Book\u2019em Danno positioned just off Mullikin and pounced on that rival, drawing well clear in deep stretch.<\/p>\n
It was the third victory at Saratoga for Book\u2019em Danno, as the New Jersey-bred won last year\u2019s Grade 1 Woody Stephens to go along with the True North and Saturday\u2019s victory. Trained by Derek Ryan, Book\u2019em Danno won for the ninth time in 15 starts.<\/p>\n
Mullikin was close to an early pace set by Damon\u2019s Mound. Jockey Jose Ortiz tipped Mullikin out but was run down by Book\u2019em Danno, with last year\u2019s winner Nakatomi running on for third. Mullikin, a Grade 1 winner in his own right, appeared to be better suited for the seven-furlong distance Saturday but fell short again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sent off the 6-5 favorite, Book\u2019em Danno paid $4.80 for the victory and covered the distance in a quick 1:08.98. Despite the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell<\/a> being today at his home track of Monmouth Park, Lopez opted to come to Saratoga, where he also won the Grade 3 Caress aboard Future Is Now.<\/p>\n Behind the top three were Damon\u2019s Mound, Baby Yoda, and Nash. Full Moon Madness and Skelly were scratched.<\/p>\n A logical next start for Book\u2019em Danno would be the Grade 1 Forego here on Aug. 23, a race that Mullikin won last year. Further down the road, the Breeders\u2019 Cup Sprint on Nov. 1 at Del Mar will be run at six furlongs, a distance in which Book\u2019em Danno is 3 for 3 over.<\/p>\n Jayson Werth\u2019s Icon Racing makes debut at Saratoga with Sacred Goddess<\/a><\/p>\n