Atlantic Six Racing‘s Book’em Danno (Bucchero) has emerged as one of racing’s most popular stars, becoming the richest New Jersey-bred in history following his victory in the GI Forego Stakes at Saratoga.
Unlike his competitors who required multiple handlers in the paddock, Book’em Danno stood placidly before the race with just one person at his side — co-owner Mark Rubenstein, who has taken on the unusual dual role of race-day groom for the multiple Grade I winner.
“I’d rather bring him over, as opposed to standing there in the paddock watching and hanging out,” Rubenstein said. “It all ties into my racetrack and grooming roots.”
The gelding’s remarkable composure has become his trademark. From his first day in trainer Derek Ryan’s barn, Book’em Danno displayed exceptional temperament.
“To this day, nothing gets to him,” Rubenstein noted.
Rubenstein, a Jersey-bred like his horse, grew up attending Monmouth Park. In 1969, he left law school to pursue his passion for racing, working his way up from hot walker to groom to barn foreman.
“I was living in a tack room and making not-too-much money, working seven days a week and loving every minute of it,” Rubenstein recalled. “The good ones had an aura. It’s hard to explain, but anyone who has worked at the races knows what I’m talking about.”
Though he eventually joined his family’s real estate appraisal business, Rubenstein maintained his connection to racing. Six years ago, fellow former hot-walker Jay Briscione invited him back into ownership, forming Atlantic Six Racing with four other New Jersey friends.
Their initial success with Counterfeitcurency (Currency Swap) provided the capital to purchase Book’em Danno, whom Rubenstein named.
After going undefeated as a 2-year-old, Book’em Danno elevated his profile at 3, finishing second to Japan’s Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in the G3 Saudi Derby before capturing his first Grade I in the Woody Stephens Stakes.
Rubenstein’s return to hands-on horseman came unexpectedly this March when the gelding’s regular groom failed to show up for his 4-year-old debut at Colonial Downs.
“Our trainer asked me if I wanted to run him,” Rubenstein explained. “It was something I hadn’t done in probably 50 years—take a horse over to the races—but it’s all muscle memory.”
That impromptu assignment has continued through Book’em Danno’s impressive Saratoga campaign, where he reeled off victories in the GIII True North Stakes, GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes, and GI Forego Stakes.
“I knew we have a nice horse, but just to have him do what he’s done up here, three graded stakes, that’s off the wall,” said Rubenstein. “We’re a small little stable. When we win an allowance race, that is a big deal for us. Now we’re running for a half-million-dollar purse. It’s crazy.”
In the Forego, Book’em Danno held off a late rally by Scotland (Good Magic) to win by a length, cementing his status as a fan favorite.
“The adoration you feel when you’re walking back after the race,” Rubenstein shared. “People in the grandstand cheering their heads off and taking pictures going ‘Danno! Danno!’ I know he’s a very popular horse, but it’s a quarter mile of people just loving him.”
The Forego served as a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifier. While trainer Derek Ryan hasn’t committed to the championship meet, Rubenstein acknowledges Del Mar would be another memorable venue.
“It’s a spectacular location with a great racetrack and it’s a great place to have the Breeders’ Cup again,” he said.
At Monmouth, Book’em Danno has a regular groom named Eddie, whom Rubenstein calls “the man.” With Eddie managing the home string, Rubenstein has enjoyed the rare privilege of leading his horse into racing’s biggest spotlights.
The experience has created new racing fans within his own family.
“My kids were never really into it until ‘Danno’ came around,” he admitted. “I think they’re going to carry on the tradition in the family. I want my grandchildren to be involved in racing.”
Each time Rubenstein walks Book’em Danno to the paddock, he savors the moment that connects him to his earliest racing passion.
“I’m a racetracker,” he said simply. “That’s how I would define myself, even though I’m not there all the time anymore. Being in the barn, that’s where I want to be.”
