Built - Kentucky Derby Context

Fifth in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Built turned in his best performances during the winter, winning his stakes debut, the Gun Runner in December, and finishing a neck second in the Lecomte (G3) a month later. Those stakes were at 1 1/16 miles, and he didn’t run as well stretching out in distance for his next two starts. Built weakened to be a well-beaten third in 1 1/8-mile Risen Star (G2) next out and had nothing left for the stretch run of the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby, suggesting the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby distance may be beyond the best scope of the bay colt. 

RELATED: Kentucky Derby News and Notes

OWNER: Built is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (Aaron Wellman), who also co-own Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism. There’s no guarantee Built will run in the Kentucky Derby if Journalism ships to Churchill Downs in good order. Eclipse has campaigned four previous starters in partnership, including third-placer Danza in 2014.

TRAINER: Wayne Catalano has had one previous Kentucky Derby starter, Crypto Star who finished fifth in 1997. The 68-year-old New Orleans native is a four-time Breeders’ Cup race winner and has trained multiple champions. A former jockey, Catalano finished second nationally in wins in 1977. After retiring with 1,792 wins in 1983, he went on to greater success, becoming the 39th trainer in the modern history of North American Thoroughbred racing to reach 3,000 wins in 2024.

JOCKEY: NA

BREEDER: Robert and Lawana Low, who also bred confirmed Kentucky Derby starter Citizen Bull, will make their first appearance as a breeder. The Lows have twice participated in the Kentucky Derby as owners, the best result being Steppenwolfer’s third in 2006. Built initially sold for $82,000 as a yearling before being pinhooked for $260,000 at the OBS two-year-old sale.

SIRE: Hard Spun, a son of legendary sire Danzig, finished a commendable second in the 2007 Kentucky Derby and third in the Preakness, concluding his racing career with a runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Multiple Grade 3-winning millionaire Two Phil’s, who finished second in the 2023 Kentucky Derby, is the most successful performer in the Triple Crown produced by Hard Spun.

DAM: Built is the first foal to race from the Curlin mare Sea Garden, who was out of an unraced mare by Storm Cat. Winner of the 2007 Preakness (G1), two-time Horse of the Year Curlin also finished second in the Belmont (G1) and third in the Kentucky Derby. He’s sired a Preakness and Belmont winner, as well as Good Magic, the sire of 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage. A relatively young broodmare sire, Curlin is eligible to make a major impact upon the Triple Crown in the years to come.

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