Aqueduct: Unbridled Command proving a distance-lover

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Trainer Tom Bush was back at Belmont Park on Monday morning after catching the red-eye flight back from Southern California, where on Sunday his New York-bred Unbridled Command won the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby.

“It was a big thrill,” Bush said. “He ran great. He looked like he had a chance on paper. They bet him late in the race.”

The win was the fifth straight for Unbridled Command, who won the Grade 3 Saranac at Saratoga in September and the Mohawk Stakes for New York-breds at Belmont in October.

Bush said Unbridled Command was en route Monday morning to the Palm Meadows training center in south Florida. Bush said Unbridled Command would remain in light training while he figures out whether to point him to the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap on Feb. 9 or wait for something else.

Bush said he expects Unbridled Command to run in long-distance races next year.

“The longer races are going to suit him,” Bush said. “Distance doesn’t seem to be a problem for that horse. I’ve never had a long-distance horse before.”

Bush’s most accomplished horse to date was Get Stormy, who won Grade 1 races at a mile and 1 1/8 miles.