Book'em Danno is entered in Steel Valley; Cigar Mile still an option

After saying last week that Book’em Danno would make his next start in the Grade 2 Cigar Mile, trainer Derek Ryan has entered him in the listed Steel Valley Sprint at Mahoning Valley on Monday.

“We’re keeping our options open,” Ryan told Horse Racing Nation on Thursday. Part of the appeal is that Book’em Danno would face other 3-year-olds in Ohio rather than an older and stronger field in the Cigar Mile.

"More than likely, we're going in the Mile," Ryan said.

The Steel Valley Sprint has a $300,000 purse, and the Cigar Mile, Dec. 7 at Aqueduct, has a $500,000 purse.

Ryan said he will make the call Friday on which race to enter.

Book’em Danno was second by a neck last out in the Perryville (G3) and third before that in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1). In June, he won the Woody Stephens (G1) for his only graded-stakes victory.

Depending on how he does in his next start, look for the gelding to point to Saudi Arabia in February for the Saudi Cup (G1) or Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2).