Reigning champion sprinter Book'em Danno could make his five-year-old debut in the Group 1 Golden Shaheen in Dubai on March 28. Trainer Derek Ryan reports the horse is ahead of schedule in training, opening up possibilities for his return. Alternative races include the Carter at Aqueduct and the Commonwealth at Keeneland.
Book'em Danno, who has won his last three races, enters his fifth year with strong momentum from 2025, where he secured four victories in five outings. His most recent triumph came on August 23 in the Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. The only setback that year was a fourth-place finish on May 3 in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1), where he trailed Mindframe by a neck for the win.
Trainer Derek Ryan opted for an early winter break for the horse in late September, bypassing the 2025 Breeders' Cup Sprint. This decision partly stemmed from a six-month suspension imposed on regular jockey Paco Lopez by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Lopez has been sidelined since suffering a broken ankle on February 7 at Fair Grounds in Louisiana, a state not under HISA jurisdiction at the time. His suspension is set to conclude on March 22, though no firm return date has been announced.
Ryan has not finalized plans for Book'em Danno's debut but noted progress in training. A report from David Grening of Daily Racing Form indicates the Golden Shaheen as a viable option, given the horse's advanced preparation. The Dubai race precedes other potential starts like the Carter (G2) on April 4 at Aqueduct and the Commonwealth (G3) at Keeneland on the same date.
Book'em Danno has completed two workouts this year, including a recent four-furlong session at Tampa Bay Downs on Sunday. These developments suggest a competitive return is on the horizon for the accomplished sprinter.
