A last-minute jockey change didn’t matter as Built took an easy lead and rolled to a 6 ¾-length victory in the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes at the Fair Grounds on Saturday.
The Kentucky Derby (G1) prep awarded 10 qualifying points to Built, with the next four finishers earning 5-3-2-1 points, respectively.
Built. Coady Photo.
Corey Lanerie, the listed rider for Built after he won aboard the colt at Keeneland on Oct. 6, ran into a delayed flight from Kentucky to New Orleans on Saturday morning and Jareth Loveberry got the call.
Easily moving to the front from post 1 in the field of five, Built was in control as Magnitude, under Jose Ortiz, remained about a length behind until Built extended his lead at the top of the stretch and coasted the final sixteenth-of-a-mile.
“You always like it when the pace is slow and you’re on the lead,” winning trainer Wayne 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 is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. The Gun Runner is the first step on Louisiana’s road to the Derby. Next up at the Fair Grounds is the Lecomte (G3) on Jan. 18, followed by the Risen Star (G2) on Feb. 15, and the Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 22. Winning time was 1:43.53 over a fast track.
Built, a 2-year-old son of Hard Spun, was sent off at 7-2 and returned $9.80 for a $2 win bet. Third behind runner-up Magnitude was Render Judgment, 4-5 favorite Admiral Dennis, and Chris’s Revenge.
“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.”
The Gun Runner is the final 2024 Derby prep for 2-year-olds, who turn 3 on Jan. 1. The first Derby preps for 3-year-olds is Jan. 4 – the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park and the Jerome at Aqueduct.
Her Laugh wins Untapable, picks up 10 Kentucky Oaks points
Later on the card, Her Laugh ($11) won the $100,000 Untapable for 2-year-old fillies, a points qualifier for the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Her Laugh earned 10 Oaks points, with Golden Gamble second for five Oaks points, California Sunset third, Stable Currency fourth, and Drexel Hill fifth in the field of eight.