Horseplayers are likely to recall how the wagering went in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup, but for millions ready to tune in and bet during racing’s biggest weekend – two-days and 14 races at Del Mar on Nov. 1-2 — here’s some pertinent information:
Book’em Danno. NYRA/Coglianese Photo.
Book’em Danno started next in Saudi Arabia, where he was caught in the final strides by BC Classic-bound Forever Young in the Saudi Derby (G3). He rebounded with a victory in the 7-furlong Woody Stephens (G1), then won the Jersey Shore at Monmouth Park before running third in the H. Allen Jerkens (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 24.
“He’s doing great; hopefully he gets the job done,” Ryan said. “I thought he should have won the Jerkens [he was third, 1 ¼ lengths behind Domestic Product]. If he gets to the outside, he wins. The rail that day was dead.”
Irad Ortiz, Jr., will be aboard Book’em Danno.
Also in the field is 3-1 Knightsbridge, 2-for-2 by a combined 19 1/2 lengths, and Locked (7-2), making his first start since finishing third in the 2023 BC Juvenile (G1).
Marathon man Next worked 5 furlongs in 1:00.60 at Turfway Park on Wednesday (Oct. 16), and trainer Doug Cowans said the 6-year-old gray gelding remains on track for the Breeders’ Cup.
Next. NYRA/Coglianese Photo.
Which race is a question as Cowans said Next could be nominated for the BC Classic (G1) at 1 ¼ miles or the BC Turf (G1) at 1 ½ miles. Next is 4-for-4 in 2024, with his best distance in longer races and his best surface on dirt.
In his last race, Next won the Greenwood Cup (G3) at Parx by 10 lengths on Sept. 21 going 1 ½ miles on dirt.
The pre-entry deadline for the Breeders’ Cup is Oct. 21. Next is scheduled for one more workout on Oct. 24.
“I’m not leaning either way at the moment,’’ Cowans told thoroughbreddailynews.com. “I want to see how both races look, how he would fit, and how the race would play into his hands and try to pick the best of the two.”