The July 18 Haskell Stakes (G1) will bring a collection of the nation's best 3-year-old males to Monmouth Park, and one of them could become the year-end, Eclipse Award-winning champion of the division. But if people want to see a current champion, they will have to travel to the Jersey Shore a day earlier.
One of just two New Jersey-breds to earn an Eclipse Award, Atlantic Six Racing's Book'em Danno will be the star attraction on the titular 'Book'em Danno Day' at Monmouth, as the 2025 champion male sprinter headlines a likely field of seven in the $200,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes on July 17.
This is a pretty cool thing for the connections, and it's a proper tribute to the multiple grade 1-winning gelding who was bred in the Garden State by Gregory Kilka and Bright View Farm and has record earnings for a Jersey-bred of more than $2.1 million.
As an Oceanport native, I'm well aware of the struggles Monmouth has endured over the years to stay afloat, and I'm happy to help bring people to the racetrack on the eve of the showcase $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1). It's a hometown track for me, and if we lose Monmouth, it would be a disaster. We're doing our part to get a good crowd on Friday.
Book'em Danno comes into the race 3-for-3 at Monmouth and defeated 2025 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner Bentornato while winning the True North Stakes (G3) at Saratoga Race Course in his last start.
The purse of the 6-furlong stakes was also increased by $100,000 because of Book'em Danno's presence in the field.
The main rivals should be grade 3 winner Full Moon Madness (Into Mischief) and the stakes-winning Quint's Brew (Mosler).
In my opinion, this race is a must-watch for anyone interested in horse racing. Book'em Danno is a true champion, and his performance in this race will be a testament to his skill and determination. I think he has a strong chance of winning, and I'm excited to see him in action.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Book'em Danno is a New Jersey-bred horse, and he's achieved such success. It's a testament to the talent that can come from anywhere, and it's a reminder that horse racing is a sport that celebrates the best of the best, regardless of where they come from.
This raises a deeper question: How can we ensure that more horses like Book'em Danno get the recognition they deserve? It's important to support and promote the breeding and racing of horses in New Jersey and other regions that have a rich history in the sport.
In my opinion, the key to success in horse racing is a combination of talent, hard work, and support from the community. Book'em Danno's success is a testament to the power of these factors, and I hope that his performance in this race will inspire others to pursue their dreams in the sport.
