Versatile Built Up wins Unbridled Stakes

MIAMI, Fla.- Built Up proved he's as good on the dirt as he is on grass when outgaming Radical Riley to post a well deserved head victory in Sunday's $53,900 Unbridled Stakes. Lavender's Lad, the tepid 5-2 favorite, finished third.

Built Up won the Simply Majestic Stakes going two turns on turf and an overnight handicap against older rivals at seven furlongs on the dirt earlier this meet before finishing a disappointing fourth as the even money favorite behind Tv Sports Director in the grassy Roman Brother Stakes in his last start. But the son of Homebuilder avenged that defeat over a fast main track here Sunday when rallying from just off the pace to wrest control leaving the far turn before withstanding a determined bid from Radical Riley through the final furlong.

Radical Riley sat a perfect trip just behind the winner while saving ground during the early stages of the 1 & 1/16 miles Unbridled, eased out to go after Built Up entering the stretch but was not quite good enough. Lavenders Lad weakened gradually after setting the early pace. Tv Sports Director, who has never won on dirt, forced the pace for five furlongs and tired badly to finish last in the field of seven 3-year-olds.

Built Up paid $9.00. He completed the distance in 1:46.55 under jockey Eduardo Nunez.

"That was the kind of trip I wanted for him last time," said Enrique Alonso who trains Built Up for owner Raymond Susi. "The jock had him back off a slow pace in the Simply Majestic. I'll just see what's next for him. Doesn't matter if its dirt or turf."