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Back in against Mullikin and Nakatomi, horses he beat in the True North Stakes (G3) at Saratoga Race Course in June, the result was the same July 19 in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes (G2), with Book'em Danno prevailing by 2 1/2 lengths.

Future Is Now recorded a bounce-back win in the July 19 Caress Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga Race Course after a runner-up finish in the June 5 Intercontinental Stakes (G2T).

Already a graded stakes winner as a 3- and 4-year-old, Randomized added to her extensive résumé at 5 with an emphatic score in the July 19 $495,000 Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park.

Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism mounted a sustained rally and caught Goal Oriented and Gosger near the wire to win the $1,017,500 Haskell Stakes (G1) July 19 at Monmouth Park.

Five weeks after romping in front-running fashion in the 1 1/8-mile Monmouth Stakes, Redistricting proved similarly adept over a 1 3/8-mile distance in taking the $612,000 United Nations Stakes (G2T) over the turf course there July 19.

Scottish Lassie could not be beat in the $465,000 Coaching Club American Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1) July 19 at Saratoga Race Course, taking the field gate to wire for a dominating 15 1/2-length victory.

After finishing third against Raging Torrent and Fierceness in the Metropolitan Handicap (G1), the Monmouth Cup (G3) seemed like a soft touch for Just a Touch. His odds of 1-9 only strengthened that belief. Then Monmouth Park turned into Saratoga.

Saratoga's GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, downgraded for 2025, featured a rematch of the June 7 GIII True North Stakes between Book'em Danno (g, 4, Bucchero–Adorabella, by Ghostzapper) and Mullikin (Violence), who finished one-two last month over this surface, and Nakatomi (Firing Line), who had been fifth. All three showed up in a big way Saturday to fill out the trifecta with fan-favorite Book'em Danno on top once again.

Book'em Danno's biggest career win (the 2024 GI Woody Stephens Stakes), his biggest career Beyer (the 104 he registered when third in the 2024 GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes), and perhaps his most gritty career fight (when beaten just a neck and a head to Mindframe {Constitution} in the May 3 GI Churchill Downs Stakes) may have all been at seven furlongs, but he's unbeaten in four career tries at the Vanderbilt distance of six furlongs. This is the same horse who also ran international superstar Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) to a head at a mile last year in the G3 Saudi Derby.

Trainer Derek Ryan says the New Jersey-bred owned by Atlantic Six Racing LLC continues to improve.

“He's better this year than last, as you can see in his races. [Jockey Paco Lopez] has him where I want him to be, close enough that he doesn't have to overcome 10 lengths and trouble. He just rides him so good, gets along with him, breezes him all the time now.”

Lopez has been aboard Book'em Danno in all four starts this year, which kicked off with a win in a Mar. 14 handicap at Colonial Downs.

After two scratches in the Vanderbilt, Book'em Danno let 'TDN Rising Star' Damon's Mound (Girvin) and Mullikin slug it out early up front from a close-up fifth on the inside. Damon's Mound sped through the first quarter in :22.07 while pressured by Mullikin, with the two swapping roles for the :44.65 half. All the while Book'em Danno loomed threateningly behind before angling out on the turn. Pushed about five paths wide while Mullikin cut the corner to get the early jump, Book'em Danno inhaled Mullikin–last year's GI Forego Stakes winner and GI Breeders' Cup Sprint third–and briefly paid his respects alongside that rival, then sailed clear by 2 1/2 lengths as Lopez eased up late. Nakatomi, last year's Vanderbilt winner when it still carried a Grade I status, nosed out Damon's Mound for third. Book'em Danno stopped the click in 1:08.98

“I think that was one of his best efforts so far,” said Ryan. “He came into the race great. Paco [Lopez] worked him out last Sunday {three panels in :36 at Monmouth, 2/44}, I put a little bit more speed into him, just to be a little closer, like he was. I had 100% confidence coming in. I wasn't afraid of anybody, but at the same time, it is Saratoga and anything can happen.”

Ryan added that the Aug.23 GI Forego Stakes will most likely be Book'em Danno's next target.

Pedigree Notes:

It looks like an inspired move. When McMahon of Saratoga relocated Bucchero from Pleasant Acres Stallions in Ocala prior to the 2024 season, Book'em Danno was a 2-year-old who had won three of his four starts, including two black-type events. Now, with two New York breeding seasons under his belt–he moved from McMahon to Ironhorse Stallions at Questroyal North for 2025–Bucchero won't see his New York-bred progeny hit the track until 2027, but Book'em Danno is still flying the flag as one of what is now eight black-type winners for the son of Kantharos. In addition, two-time 2025 graded winner Queen Maxima has since joined Book'em Danno in the graded ranks. The latter is entered for Sunday's one-mile Osunitas Stakes at Del Mar.

Adorabella, the unraced dam of Book'em Danno and MSW Girl Trouble (Fast Anna), produced a Medaglia d'Oro colt Apr. 1 in Pennsylvania. She sold at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November sale for $550,000 to LC Racing, while Girl Trouble sold for $300,000 to Penfolds Bloodstock at last year's Keeneland November sale and has since been exported to Australia. Adorabella's only other produce is the unraced 3-year-old gelding Coach Bennett (Classic Empire), who sold for $135,000, also to LC Racing, at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic yearling sale in 2023.

Saturday, Saratoga
ALFRED G. VANDERBILT S.-GII, $400,000, Saratoga, 7-19, 4yo/up, 6f, 1:08.98, ft.
1–BOOK'EM DANNO, 124, g, 4, by Bucchero
                1st Dam: Adorabella, by Ghostzapper
                2nd Dam: Alydorable, by Arch
                3rd Dam: Esprit d'Escalier, by Diesis (GB)
($475,000 RNA 3yo '24 KEECHA). O-Atlantic Six Racing, LLC; B-Gregory J Kilka & Bright View Farm (NJ); T-Derek S. Ryan; J-Paco Lopez. $220,000. Lifetime Record: GISW, 15-9-3-1, $1,580,425. *1/2 to Girl Trouble (Fast Anna), MSW, $288,540. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Mullikin, 124, h, 5, Violence–Tulira's Star, by Congrats. ($500,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-WinStar Farm LLC; B-Fred W. Hertrich III & John D. Fielding (KY); T-Rodolphe Brisset. $80,000.
3–Nakatomi, 124, g, 6, Firing Line–Applelicious, by Flatter. ($18,000 Wlg '19 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '20 FTKOCT; $205,000 4yo '23 FTKHRA). O-Qatar Racing LLC and Mrs. Fitriani Hay; B-Arnold Zetcher LLC & Crestwood Farm (KY); T-Wesley A. Ward. $48,000.
Margins: 2HF, 3 3/4, NO. Odds: 1.40, 1.90, 5.80.
Also Ran: Damon's Mound, Baby Yoda, Nash. Scratched: Full Moon Madness, Skelly.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

Book'Em Danno loves Saratoga.

Saratoga loves Book'Em Danno. pic.twitter.com/IpoKYM6BP1

— TDN (@theTDN) July 19, 2025

The post In True North Rematch, Book’em Danno Wins Vanderbilt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Magnitude (Not This Time) went a leisurely half-mile in :51.68 (34/41) over the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga Saturday morning and is being pointed for the $1.25-million GI DraftKings Travers Stakes at the Spa on Aug. 23.

A $310,000 Keeneland November weanling and $450,000 Keeneland September yearling, Magnitude led every step of the way to take the GII Risen Star Stakes by 9 3/4 lengths at the Fair Grounds on Feb. 15, good for a 108 Beyer and stamping himself as a leading contender for the GI Kentucky Derby. Ruled off the Triple Crown trail a short time thereafter with an ankle chip, Magnitude picked up where he left off, wiring the July 5 Iowa Derby by 9 1/4 lengths, earning a 105 Beyer.

Trainer Steve Asmussen told the NYRA notes team that the Travers makes more sense for his charge than next weekend's GII Jim Dandy Stakes.

“He's a beautiful mover and came out of the Iowa Derby in good shape. It was a beautiful morning today to work,” Asmussen said. “[The Jim Dandy] comes back too quick off that big of a race, so we plan on just training him up to the Travers. We're just concentrating on him, and I think it's obviously a very deep and talented group of 3-year-olds. Our responsibility is how Magnitude is doing, and we're just extremely excited about how he's traveling and how he looks right now.”

Asmussen is also now calling the shots with Bashford Manor Stakes hero Romeo (Honor A. P.), who was purchased by Mahmud Mouni for $1.7 million at the Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age Sale. The colt breezed an easy four furlongs in :51.89 Saturday morning, but Asmussen is inclined to not rush things.

“We're very fortunate to have him,” the Hall of Famer said. “He does not carry himself or act like a 2-year-old. He's very professional. We did go ahead and nominate him to the [GII] Saratoga Special [Aug. 2], but I think with the change after the sale, most likely that will be too soon.”

The trainer indicated the more likely return to action will be the GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes going seven furlongs on Sept. 1.

Cox Runners On Target For Grade I Attempts

Juddmonte's Flying Gambit (Not This Time), a fast-finishing fourth when trying the dirt for the first time in the GI Kentucky Derby on May 3 and a latest fifth in the GI Belmont Derby Invitational July 4, went a half-mile in :49.81 (5/42) over the Oklahoma turf training track Friday morning. Trainer Brad Cox said that the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks winner will remain on the grass for the $750,000 GI Saratoga Derby Invitational on Aug. 2.

“He had his first work over the turf here and it went well,” Cox said. “He ran OK last time, he was just a little reluctant to move forward around the turn. Once he figured things out, it was a little too late. He galloped out well and I think he showed in the Kentucky Derby he's a very good horse. We're hoping he can move forward a little bit in his next race.”

Cox also provided an update on 'TDN Rising Star' Patch Adams (Into Mischief), who returned to Churchill Downs a short time after his victory in the GI Woody Stephens Stakes at the Spa June 7. The bay, who most recently breezed a half-mile in :49 flat (71/167) in Louisville July 19, remains on track for the GI H. Allen Jerkens Stakes on the Travers undercard Aug. 23.

“He's had two works back since the Woody Stephens and he's doing great,” Cox said. “We'll probably keep him down there for the time being and he actually really, really likes it there. He does very well there.”

The post Magnitude Works, Will Train Up To Travers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Magnitude breezed a solo half-mile in :51.68 July 19 over the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course as he awaits the Aug. 23 Travers Stakes (G1), the 1 1/4-mile midsummer highlight for 3-year-olds of the Saratoga meet.

Minnie Hauk was made to work hard but ultimately prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths to complete an Epsom-Irish Oaks (G1) double by taking the latter race July 19 at the Curragh.

The New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission have placed a group of horses located in Barn 28 on the main track side of Saratoga Race Course under quarantine due to a suspected case of strangles.

Whisper Hill Farm's Leslie's Rose surged to a 3 3/4-length win over Dazzling Move in the Shuvee Stakes (G2) July 18 to register her first win since the 2024 Ashland (G1). Heavily favored Raging Sea lacked her usual closing kick and finished third.

Adding the hardware from the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park to the trophy case would be a dream realized for any horseman, but it would be a most prized possession for a Jersey guy.

When Whitham Thoroughbreds homebred Burnham Square enters the starting gate for the Haskell Stakes (G1) July 19, it will mark the first time they have had a runner in Monmouth Park's showcase race since 2017.

After Book'em Danno won the True North Stakes (G3), Mark Rubenstein and his partners in Atlantic Six Racing have brought the 4-year-old back to Saratoga for the Alfred G. Vanderbilt (G2). The field also includes grade 1 winners Nakatomi and Mullikin.

2nd-Monmouth, $51,975, Msw, 7-19, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 1:10.70, ft, 6 1/4 lengths.
SILENT DREAMER (f, 3, Into Mischief–Celestine {GISW, $1,148,055}, by Scat Daddy) debuted on the lawn at Aqueduct Sept. 19 last season, and ran a flat seventh after showing little. She transitioned from the Christophe Clement to the Miguel Clement program on her return to the barn, and left the blocks for this second jump with first-time blinkers, Lasix, and on the main track.

In the bit and taking the lead right from the jump, the 7-1 shot set the tempo in :22.25 and four furlongs in :45.33 with no pressure from her rivals. Roused to keep her mind on running as they entered the lane, she responded well and drew off to win by 6 1/4 lengths over tough-luck Risuko (American Pharoah). Silent Dreamer is the first winner out of Celestine–the victress of the GI Longines Just a Game Stakes, and a half-sister to MSW Haunted Heroine (Ghostzapper), herself the mother of GSW & GISP Law Professor (Constitution). The winner has an unraced juvenile half-sister named Jadorlinija (Curlin), a yearling half-brother by Gun Runner, and a 2025 half-sister by Curlin.

This is the immediate female family of MGSW Dreamfyre (Flameaway), who was purchased by Equus Bloodstock for $375,000 last season at FTKNOV, and was recently bred to Gun Runner for 2026. That filly's half-sister is GI Starlet Stakes third Nasreddine (Nyquist). Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $32,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O/B-Moyglare Stud Farm, Ltd. (KY); T-Miguel Clement.

 

#3 SILENT DREAMER ($16.60) was not quiet about her talent! The three-year-old filly by @SpendthriftFarm's Into Mischief was a dominant winner of the 2nd race at @MonmouthPark. @luissaezpty piloted her to this maiden win for trainer @clementstable. pic.twitter.com/6gslFSenxF

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 19, 2025

The post Into Mischief’s Silent Dreamer Makes Turf to Dirt Swap, Wins Well at Second Asking appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) have placed a group of horses located in Barn 28 at Saratoga Race Course under quarantine due to a suspected case of strangles, which includes La Cara (Street Sense) who was scratched from the GI CCA Oaks, the track said in a press release on Saturday morning.

The 4-year-old filly [Surprenant Cocca (Catholic Boy)], who is trained by Mike Maker and stabled in Barn 28, presented symptoms early Saturday, July 19 and has been transported offsite for additional testing.

Horses in Barn 28 will not be permitted to enter races or train among the general horse population at this time.

The barn, which also contains several horses trained by Mark Casse, will be placed under quarantine until test results are received and additional guidance is provided.

Besides La Cara, Casse's other horse at Saratoga that will be scratched on Saturday appears in race seven–first-time starter Our Magical Moon (Good Magic).

Also in the GII United Nations Stakes at Monmouth, Casse's Spa shippers Corruption (Medaglia d'Oro) and Get Smokin (Get Stormy) were scratched.

Co-owner Ironhorse Racing Stable said in a post on X that “Get Smokin, who is doing terrific heading into today's United Nations Stakes at MonmouthPark, has been scratched due to the quarantine situation at Saratoga, where he was shipping in from this morning. He is happy and healthy and looking forward to his next start.”

NYRA and the NYSGC implemented standard infectious disease protocols including restricting access to the horses in the affected barns, establishing a 24-hour security watch, mandating regular temperature checks for the horses in that barn and enacting biosecurity measures for all individuals requiring access to Barn 28.

Strangles is a contagious bacterial infection that generally affects a horse's respiratory system and causes symptoms similar to those of strep throat in humans. When properly diagnosed and treated, strangles is not considered a life-threatening infection and horses recover fully.

Beyond the quarantine protocols currently in place, NYRA has enacted no additional restrictions over shipping horses in and out of Saratoga.

NYRA will provide updates as appropriate.

Get Smokin, who is doing terrific heading into today's United Nations Stakes @MonmouthPark has been scratched due to the quarantine situation at Saratoga, where he was shipping in from this morning. He is happy and healthy and looking forward to his next start.

— Ironhorse Racing Stable (@racingwithihr) July 19, 2025

The post Quarantine Issued On Barn 28 At Saratoga, CCA Oaks Entrant La Cara And Pair Of Casse Runners At Monmouth Scratched appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Multiple graded winner Mo Plex (Complexity) continued his preparations for the GII Jim Dandy Stakes Friday morning at Saratoga while MGSW Echo Sound (Echo Town) has her eyes on the GI Test Stakes with her own move over the Oklahoma training track.

New York-bred Mo Plex went out on Saratoga's main track Friday morning for a half-mile work in :48.84 (22/74) for trainer Jeremiah Englehart. The solo work under Manny Franco, who will have the call in the Jim Dandy, was exactly what the conditioner wanted to see.

“The plan was nice and easy this week into the race next week,” Englehart said of the work. “He's been uber aggressive, so I thought Manny did a pretty good job to get him to settle. At the quarter-pole he was wanting to go, go, go and he got him to relax a little bit. All in all I thought that was pretty good.”

The field for the major local prep for the GI Travers Stakes is mighty itself as the potential presence of 'TDN Rising Star' dual Grade I Classic winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) looms large ahead of the confirmation stage. The likes of 'Rising Stars' MGISP Baeza (McKinzie); GSW & GISP Hill Road (Quality Road); and crowd favorite GISW Sandman (Tapit) are also potentials to make the gate.

“It's obviously going to be a challenge. It's always tough to run against a horse like Sovereignty, but when you have one that hopefully can compete with him, you look forward to these opportunities.”

Echo Sound Leads George Arnold Duo for Test

Echo Sound with Luis Saez up | Sarah Andrew

Echo Sound went out for a solo first work over the Oklahoma training track Friday morning, covering the half-mile in :50.49 (30/33) with Luis Saez aboard, as she continues her march to the GI Test Stakes Aug. 2 at Saratoga.

Having arrived from Keeneland before stablemate Kilwin (Twirling Candy), who will be making the trip up to New York Monday, the George Arnold trainee's move went all according to plan.

“Luis breezed her and said he was very happy with the work. Everything is on schedule,” said Arnold over the phone from Kentucky.

Arnold added that Kilwin would work at Keeneland Sunday before joining Echo Sound at Saratoga for the Test. The daughter of Twirling Candy started her career on the turf, including running second to 'TDN Rising Star' GSW Shisospicy (Mitole) in the GIII Mamzelle Stakes May 10, but so impressed her connections with her 1 1/4-length win last out June 8 in the Leslie's Lady Stakes that they opted to give her a shot at the elite level on the main track.

“It was a pretty good race,” said Arnold, with a laugh. “We decided to try her on the dirt once and it went the right way. She came out of it good, and she'll also run in the Test. I wish they weren't in the same spot, but they are–it's a good problem to have.”

Thorpedo Anna on Track for Personal Ensign, Future Targets Unknown for Mystik Dan

Having arrived at The Spa July 10, 'TDN Rising Star' Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) is settling into a routine as she preps for her anticipated start in the GI Personal Ensign Stakes Aug. 23.

“She's doing good and we're getting her into a routine here,” Kenny McPeek said, adding that it was good to see her return to the form he'd grown accustomed to. “I thought the race on Derby week was just a shame because she just got mugged. It wasn't her, and she came out of it fine, it's just what could go wrong did. She's certainly far from done.”

Last year's GI Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents) arrived on the same day as his most famous stablemate, but with less firm plans on his future. McPeek said that plans are to be determined for the Classic winner.

“He's training good and I haven't really decided where I'm pointing him to yet. He's going to run in something important later in the season.”

The post Saratoga Updates: Mo Plex Tunes Up for Jim Dandy, Echo Sound on Track for Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association is teaming up with Dean Dorton, a Top 100 CPA and advisory firm, to host a deep dive webinar on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its tax implications affecting Thoroughbred racing.