Book’em Danno and Hope Road, Two Stars Shine Bright at Saratoga

The colt captured the G1 Forego, while the filly took the Ballerina S., both events serving as key stepping stones toward the Breeders’ Cup

Book’em Danno Takes the Forego, but Will Not Point to the Breeders’ Cup / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- Saratoga delivered one of those afternoons that remind everyone why it is truly “the place where history is made.” On Travers Day, with over $3.1 million in purses distributed across five graded stakes, two performances stood out, projecting their stars toward the Breeders’ Cup: Book’em Danno, who reaffirmed his dominance in the G1 Forego Stakes, and Hope Road, who added a cinematic chapter to her family story by capturing the G1 Ballerina Stakes, the same race her dam, Marley’s Freedom (Blame), won seven years ago.

Five weeks after his career-best effort, Book’em Danno returned to Saratoga and impressed once again. The Buccherocolt dominated the Forego Stakes (G1), a seven-furlong test for 4-year-olds and up, which also carried an automatic berth to the G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 1.

Ridden by Paco López and trained by Derek Ryan, the Atlantic Six Racing homebred found his ideal spot in the stretch, took command at the 200-meter mark, and held off Scotland (Good Magic) by a length to extend his winning streak to three, following victories in the G3 True North and G2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt.

“I knew if we reached the stretch near the lead, he’d have his kick. Paco and the horse understand each other perfectly; he always places him where we need,” said Ryan, celebrating a historic milestone. “He’s probably the first New Jersey-bred to win all three of these races. I don’t know if it’ll happen again, but he’s very, very good.”

The final time was 1:22.43 over a fast track, and the win elevated Book’em Danno’s record to 10 wins from 16 starts and earnings exceeding $1.8 million. Despite the victory guaranteeing a Breeders’ Cup spot, Ryan is taking it step by step. “For now, I’m sticking to my plan, which doesn’t include traveling. The owners trust me, so we’ll go one race at a time.”

Later in the card, the spotlight turned to the fillies in the G1 Ballerina Stakes, also at seven furlongs, where Hope Road fulfilled a dream seemingly written in the stars. Racing for Cicero Farms and trained by Bob Baffert, the Quality Road filly captured her first G1 victory—the same race her dam, Marley’s Freedom, won in 2018.

From Del Mar, an elated Baffert celebrated from afar: “Winning a G1 at Saratoga is huge, and to do it with the daughter of a mare who won the same race for the same owners is truly rare. I’m very proud of the team and the filly.”

With José Ortiz aboard for the first time, Hope Road stayed close to the torrid pace set by Scylla (Tapit) and unleashed her full potential in the stretch to win by two lengths in 1:21.93. “When I asked her, she gave everything. I knew she was at her best today,” said Ortiz.

The victory also secured an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). “I’m proud of this filly. She’s strong, talented, and deserved a G1,” said Barbara Perry of Cicero Farms, visibly emotional at the thought of Del Mar.

Travers Day at Saratoga offered excitement across the board, but it was Book’em Danno and Hope Road who stole the show. Two different stories, one shared destination: the Breeders’ Cup is approaching, and both names are already making their mark on the road to November.