The Grade II Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap returns to Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as Race 11 on the card. This $400,000 dirt sprint for 4-year-olds and up spans 6 furlongs, drawing a field of elite sprinters, multiple graded stakes winners, and pedigrees built for speed and class.
Top Contenders & Pedigree Profiles
| Horse Name | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree Highlights | Morning Line Odds |
| Book’em Danno | Paco Lopez | Derek S. Ryan | Bucchero × Adorabella (Taste of Paradise) | 5/2 Favorite |
| Mullikin | Jose L. Ortiz | Rodolphe Brisset | Violence × Tulira’s Star (Congrats) | 7/2 |
| Skelly | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Steven M. Asmussen | Practical Joke × Adande (Bwana Charlie) | 4/1 |
| Nakatomi | Emisael Jaramillo | Wesley A. Ward | Firing Line × Applelicious (Flatter) | 9/2 |
| Baby Yoda | Dylan Davis | William I. Mott | Prospective × More Than Speed (More Than Ready) | 6/1 |
| Nash | Joel Rosario | Brad H. Cox | Medaglia d’Oro × Sara Louise (Malibu Moon) | 8/1 |
| Damon’s Mound | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott | Girvin × San Antonio Stroll (Stroll) | 15/1 |
| Full Moon Madness | Kendrick Carmouche | Michelle Nevin | Into Mischief × By the Moon (Indian Charlie) | 15/1 |
Pedigree Power Plays
Book’em Danno, by Bucchero, is a Grade I winner and enters off a victory in the True North Stakes (G3). His dam Adorabella adds regional class and sprinting durability. Mullikin, by Violence, won the Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga last year and is bred for explosive speed and stamina. Skelly, by Practical Joke, is a front-running specialist with multiple wins at 6 furlongs and a pedigree built for dirt sprints. Nakatomi, by Firing Line, returns from a layoff and has graded stakes experience, including a run in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1).
Jockey & Trainer Dynamics
Paco Lopez, aboard Book’em Danno, is known for aggressive positioning and has guided this gelding to multiple stakes wins. Jose Ortiz, riding Mullikin, reunites with a horse he’s piloted to Grade I glory at Saratoga. Ricardo Santana Jr. and Steve Asmussen team up with Skelly, a duo that excels in high-speed setups. Joel Rosario, aboard Nash, brings tactical finesse and pairs well with Brad Cox, a top conditioner in sprint stakes.
Race Strategy
Skelly and Baby Yoda may vie for the early lead, setting up a blistering pace. Book’em Danno and Mullikin will likely stalk and pounce late, especially with Lopez and Ortiz aboard. Nakatomi and Nash could be value plays if the pace collapses. Damon’s Mound and Full Moon Madness are longshots with pedigree upside and could hit the board with a clean trip.
