Kentucky Derby prep: Built leads all the way in Gun Runner
To the front with plenty left in the tank, Built took the early lead and exhibited a pedestrian pace to pull away by 6 3/4 lengths and win the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes on Saturday at Fair Grounds. Built earned 10 points toward qualifying for Kentucky Derby 2025.
Trained by Wayne Catalano, the Hard Spun colt received the services of jockey Jareth Loveberry. Corey Lanerie originally had the call but could not make it to New Orleans due to a delayed flight.
Fair Grounds undercard: Her Laugh, Saudi Crown win.
“I found out this morning at 9 o’clock I would be riding him,” Loveberry said. “(Catalano) had him well-meant today. He was well-trained. He is a nice horse and did everything the right way. He turned for home and was ready to finish.”
In his first try at two turns, Built covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.53 after early fractions of 24.64, 49.23, 1:13.77 and 1:37.27. He was sent off at 7-2 in the field of five 2-year-olds.
“You always like it when the pace is slow and you’re on the lead,” Catalano said. “Drawing the rail with speed, he handled it well. These are the moments you work every day and get up in the morning for. Today was our day. I appreciate the opportunities all our clients give us and all our help back in the barn.”
Built’s record is 3: 2-0-1 with $120,204 in the bank.
After chasing the frontrunner throughout, Magnitude (5-2) never menaced in the stretch and crossed the finish line in second by eight lengths. He earned five Derby points. Render Judgment (5-2) overcame a slight stumble for third to earn three points. Odds-on favorite Admiral Dennis (4-5) could not muster a rally against the slow pace, finishing fourth and picking up two points. Long shot Chris’s Revenge (26-1) finished last but still got one Derby point.
Built returned $9.80, $4.40 and $6.60; Magnitude $3.40 and $6.40; and Render Judgment $7.20.
Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Built is out of Curlin dam Sea Garden and was bred in Kentucky by Robert and Lawana Low. He was bought for $260,000 at an Ocala Breeders’ Sale auction in April.