Fort Hughes pointing for Bay Shore

Last updated: 3/6/11 3:03 PM

Fort Hughes’ 5 1/2-length debut win at Belmont earned him a spot on the New York Watch list
(NYRA/Adam Coglianese)

Darley Stable’s swift three-year-old colt FORT HUGHES (Henny Hughes) is
progressing well in preparation for a start in the April 9 Bay Shore S. (G3)
going seven furlongs at Aqueduct on Wood Memorial Day. The chestnut colt breezed
four furlongs in :48 Saturday morning at Belmont Park, the fourth fastest of 99
at the distance.

In his most recent start, a 4 3/4-length victory in the Jimmy Winkfield S. on
January 17 at Aqueduct, Fort Hughes earned a stellar 112 BRIS Speed rating.

“He is doing very, very well right now,” said Artie Magnuson, assistant to
trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “He is a young horse, and we are trying to let him
grow up between starts, especially since he ran so big in his last race. We felt
he needed a bit of time before his next race.”

Magnuson also said that IN STEP (Unbridled’s Song), a three-year-old Darley
filly who broke her maiden at first asking going six furlongs at Gulfstream Park
on February 20, will likely make her next start in the Comely S. (G3), a mile
race also on Wood Memorial Day.

“She is a nice filly,” Magnuson said. “At some point we will probably stretch
her out around two turns, but for now, the plan is to keep her around one turn.”

Part of the reason for that plan is to keep her schedule separate from fellow
Darley colorbearer IT’S TRICKY (Mineshaft), the undefeated sophomore lass who
most recently posted an impressive eight-length triumph in the Busher S. at
Aqueduct on February 20.

According to Magnuson, the talented filly shipped to Florida two days ago in
preparation for a start in the nine-furlong Gulfstream Oaks (G2) on April 2.