Built made his Stakes debut a winning one with a dominating, wire-to-wire romp in the $100,000 Listed Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds on Saturday, 21 December.
The two-year-old Hard Spun colt, who was winning for the second time in three career starts, earned his connections 10 points towards a start in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Ridden for the first time by Jareth Loveberry, Built took the advantage and seized the lead right out of the starting gate. Allowed to set a leisurely pace up front, Built held a length advantage over Magnitude through the first three-quarters of the contest. The dark bay colt then hit another gear and opened up through the stretch, eventually crossing the wire to win by six-and-three-quarter lengths.
Built was bred in Kentucky by Robert and Lawana Low and was purchased by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners for $260,000 at the 2024 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds. He is the first winner produced from the young Curlin mare, Sea Garden, a half-sister to Graded Stakes winner, Glenville Gardens (Street Cry). Built’s immediate family also boasts multiple Graded Stakes winners Marley Vale (G1) and Indian Vale (G2).
In addition to Built, Hard Spun is also the sire of 2024 Graded Stakes winners Sparkle Blue (G3 Hillsborough Stakes), Elysian Field (G3 Maple Leaf Stakes) and Highway Robber (G3 Sycamore Stakes, setting a new Stakes and course record at Keeneland). Hard Spun is also represented by Stakes additional winners Keep It Easy, Necker Island, Good Lord Lorrie, Informed Patriot, Kupuna, Give It a Whirl and Drum Roll Please.
Hard Spun will stand the 2025 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $25,000, stands and nurses.
