Bridgehampton Will Step Up for Victory Ride

Barry Schwartz’s Bridgehampton will step up in class for the Victory Ride off a maiden victory, trainer Mike Hushion confirmed.

The daughter of Bernardini made one start for Neil Drysdale at Betfair Hollywood Park on May 4, trailing early in the field of 13 and picking up the pieces to finish fifth. Subsequently sent to Hushion in New York, she showed improved speed in her second start, tracking the pace and taking over in the stretch en route to a two-length score on May 30 at Belmont. Both races were contested at six furlongs, the distance of the Victory Ride.

“I think she’s up to it,” said Hushion of the decision to compete in a graded stakes in her first start against winners. “I think she’s this kind of a horse.”

Hushion said he is unsure whether sprinting or routing is in Bridgehampton’s future.

“She’s bred for longer,” said Hushion. “Maybe we’ll stretch her out later.”