Built draws wide in speed-laden Lecomte

Jan 13, 2025 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Built dominated last month's Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds by 6 3/4 lengths after setting an uncontested, pedestrian pace. But there's far too much other speed entered in Saturday's $250,000 Lecomte (G3) to suggest he will win again in a similar fashion.

That's not to say Built can't win — he's the probable favorite in the field of 14 — but only that he will likely employ different tactics in the 1 1/16-mile Lecomte, especially having to break from post 13 in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series prep.

A large swath of the speed conveniently drew inside posts. Innovator ran leading Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful Barnes to a head in a Churchill Downs maiden in late November, and belatedly earned his diploma on Dec. 29 at Oaklawn in his seventh lifetime start. However, that was over six furlongs, and it would be a surprise if he were to carry that speed much farther.

Breaking next door is Maximum Promise, who makes his first start since a 14 1/2-length maiden win at Ellis Park in early August for trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who teamed up to last year's Derby with Mystik Dan. Others with early foot include Tough Catch, last-out winner of the six-furlong Sugar Bowl S., and Disco Time, who enters with a 2-for-2 mark for Juddmonte and trainer Brad Cox. Optical has positional speed, too, but relatively little back class.

Magnitude was second best to Built in the Gun Runner, while odds-on favorite Admiral Dennis virtually lost all chance in that race after stumbling early. Grade 2-placed Golden Afternoon enters with two wins and a second from three starts, albeit all on turf.

The remainder of the field all have something to prove. Dapper Moon placed fourth in three consecutive Derby preps in Kentucky last fall, while multiple stakes winner Jolly Samurai was found wanting when stepping up in class and trip for the Remington Springboard Mile. A pace meltdown might help the likes of Mobetterthangood, Calling Card, and Seattle Road, though all have class questions to answer.

The Lecomte caps a 12-race card at Fair Grounds, half of which are stakes. The scheduled post time for the Lecomte is 6:30 p.m. ET, and it can be watched and wagered on at TwinSpires.com.