Several promising contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby returned to training on Sunday, showcasing their potential in key workouts across various tracks. Notably, Built, owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Wayne Catalano, completed a half-mile run in 47.8 seconds at Fair Grounds. This performance marked his first workout since placing second in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes last month. Other notable horses, including Chancer McPatrick, Poster, Praetor, Magnitude, American Promise, and Caldera, also clocked impressive times in their respective sessions. These workouts are crucial as trainers prepare their horses for upcoming races that could secure their place in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
Built's recent efforts have garnered significant attention. After finishing second in the Lecomte Stakes, this Hard Spun colt has been working diligently to improve his form. Trained by Wayne Catalano, Built's latest workout was particularly noteworthy, covering four furlongs in 47.8 seconds. This time placed him among the top performers of the day, reflecting his strong potential for future races. Catalano expressed uncertainty about Built's next start but hinted that the Risen Star Stakes in February remains a possibility. Built currently holds 20 points in the Derby qualifying system, ranking him seventh overall.
The competition is fierce, with several other horses making strides toward the Derby. Chancer McPatrick, a two-time Grade 1 winner under trainer Chad Brown, worked three furlongs in 37.8 seconds at Payson Park. Despite a sixth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, McPatrick continues to show promise. Meanwhile, Poster, a Grade 2 winner from the Remsen Stakes, recorded the fastest time for five furlongs at Tampa Bay Downs, completing the distance in 1:01.6. Trainer Eoin Harty praised Poster's performance, noting it as a significant step forward.
Praetor, another horse under Chad Brown's guidance, also worked three furlongs in 37.8 seconds at Payson Park. Although he is relatively new to the stakes scene, winning a maiden race at Belmont, Praetor's consistent performances hint at a bright future. Magnitude, trained by Steve Asmussen, worked five furlongs in 1:01.4 at Fair Grounds, marking his return to training after a sixth-place finish in the Lecomte Stakes. American Promise, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, covered five furlongs in 1:02.6 at Oaklawn, while Caldera, also under Lukas, achieved the fastest time of the day for five furlongs, clocking in at 1:00.8.
These workouts serve as critical benchmarks for trainers and owners as they prepare their horses for the high-stakes races leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each performance offers valuable insights into the horses' readiness and potential for success. With the Derby season fast approaching, these early signs of strength and resilience will be closely watched by racing enthusiasts and industry experts alike.