Built To Bypass Derby In Favor Of Pat Day

[Wandering Eyes]

Built (Hard Spun), who began his Derby journey by earning 10 points towards the historic race when he netted the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds back in December, is now being pointed to the GII Pat Day Mile, according to a post on X by owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.

Led by Aron Wellman, the Eclipse message said, “It's a huge honor to have qualified for the Kentucky Derby, but we have opted for the GII $600k Pat Day Mile, a race we believe is better suited for Built. Thanks to our wonderful Eclipse TBP & Cat Racing Stable for always putting our horse's best interest first.”

It's a huge honor to have qualified Built for the @KentuckyDerby, but we have opted for the GII, $600k Pat Day Mile, a race we believe is better suited for Built. Thanks to our wonderful @EclipseTBP & @CATRacingStable for always putting our horse's best interest 1st. #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/C133NfYoz4

— Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) April 25, 2025

The 3-year-old trained by Wayne Catalano was the runner-up in the GIII Lecomte Stakes in New Orleans Jan. 18 and third in the GII Risen Star Stakes Feb. 15. Last seen finishing fifth in the GII Twinspires Louisiana Derby, Built's spot will now be occupied by Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee Neoequos (Neolithic).

In the Pat Day on the Derby undercard, Built could potentially face the likes of MGSP Madaket Road (Quality Road) and SW Clever Again (American Pharoah).

A $260,000 OBS April purchase by Eclipse, Built hit Churchill's main track to drill on Thursday and turned in a :59.40 over five furlongs.

Built works 5 furlongs this morning in :59.40 for trainer Wayne Catalano pic.twitter.com/eMfRXCGbN2

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 24, 2025

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