Book 'Em Danno vs. Mullikin in Forego Showdown

The Forego Stakes: A High-Stakes Showdown at Saratoga

The $500,000 Forego Stakes (G1) is set to be one of the most anticipated events of the summer at Saratoga Race Course. This seven-furlong sprint for older horses features a mix of seasoned contenders and rising stars, all vying for a "Win and You're In" berth to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar.

Among the top names in this race are Book’em Danno and Mullikin, two rivals who have had their share of close encounters in recent races. Their history includes two previous victories by Book’em Danno over Mullikin, including a notable win in the Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt on July 19. That race saw Book’em Danno earn a career-best 111 Beyer Speed Figure, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Book’em Danno: A Proven Winner

Book’em Danno, owned by Atlantic Six Racing, has been a consistent performer at Saratoga. The New Jersey-bred horse has won three of his four starts this year, with only a narrow fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs in May. Trainer Derek Ryan praised the horse’s growth, noting that he's stronger and more professional than last year.

Ryan also highlighted a sharp blowout at Monmouth Park on August 16 as preparation for the Forego. “He’s good to go,” Ryan said. The 4-year-old gelding has a solid record at Saratoga, including a win in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens and a third in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial.

Book’em Danno’s performance in the Forego will depend on getting a good position early, something that has worked well for him in the past. With Paco Lopez in the saddle, the horse has shown a knack for finding the right rhythm in key races.

Mullikin: A Resilient Contender

Mullikin, trained by Rodolphe Brisset, brings a different set of strengths to the race. The 5-year-old Violence horse has had a strong start to the season, including a four-race win streak last year. His most recent outing in the Vanderbilt was a solid effort, earning a 106 Beyer Speed Figure despite some challenges at the start.

Brisset believes that an extended stay at Saratoga could benefit Mullikin. “We don’t know if it’s the answer, but staying in the stall isn’t going to give us any answers,” he said. Flavien Prat, who rode Mullikin in the Vanderbilt, returns to the saddle for the Forego.

Mullikin’s pedigree is impressive, with his dam, Tulira’s Star, being a half-sister to Grade 3-winner Mountain General. The dark bay has earned over $1 million in career earnings and is looking to return to the winner’s circle after a six-race drought.

Other Contenders in the Field

The Forego Stakes is not just a battle between Book’em Danno and Mullikin. Several other talented horses are in the mix, each with their own story:

• Doc Sullivan, trained by John Ortiz, made a strong return from a four-month layoff with a victory in the John Morrissey. The 4-year-old Solomini colt ran a career-best 98 Beyer in that race and is eager to prove himself in a Grade 1 event.

• Bishops Bay and Most Wanted, both trained by Brad Cox, bring a wealth of experience. Bishops Bay has a four-race win streak and has been pointed toward the Forego since his last race. Most Wanted, a Candy Ride colt, has posted triple-digit Beyers in his last three outings and is known for his consistency.

• Crazy Mason, Extra Anejo, Full Moon Madness, Scotland, Over and Ollie, and Hold My Bourbon are all strong contenders with their own unique strengths and racing styles.

Conclusion

The Forego Stakes promises to be a thrilling event, with multiple high-quality horses competing for a spot in the Breeders’ Cup. Whether it's Book’em Danno’s tactical prowess, Mullikin’s resilience, or the emerging talents like Doc Sullivan and Bishops Bay, the race is shaping up to be a showcase of excellence in thoroughbred racing. Fans can expect a competitive and exciting showdown at Saratoga Race Course this Saturday.