Built sat just off the pacesetting Damon’s Mound through most of the race before sweeping past that rival in the stretch to win the G2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes by two-and-a-half widening lengths at Saratoga on Saturday, July 25.
The four-year-old colt by Hard Spun, who entered the Vanderbilt off a half-length loss in the G3 Bango Stakes at Churchill Downs, notched his first Graded Stakes win with the victory. He improved his record to 6-2-3 in 14 starts with earnings of $699,696.
Both Built and Damon’s Mound acted up a bit in the starting gate and were backed out briefly by the assistant starters. They were quickly reloaded and the field was sent on its way, with Built tracking Damon’s Mound from second through early fractions of :22.69 and :45.13.
Swinging four-wide on the far turn, Built rolled past Damon's Mound at the top of the stretch and pulled away. Under Irad Ortiz Jr.'s right-handed urging, he cruised to a winning time of 1:09.14 on the fast main track.
Hymn, with Ricardo Santana Jr. up, closed from fourth to finish second, with Damon’s Mound settling for third.
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 April two-year-olds in training sale. He is the first winner produced by the 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).
Hard Spun's other Graded Stakes winners this year include Moon Spun (G2 Unbridled Sidney Stakes), Bold Journey (G3 Tom Fool), and Runaway Again (G3 Dominion Day Stakes). Hard Spun was represented by 21 Stakes horses in 2025 - more than any other stallion standing for less than $45,000.
