Henny Hughes by 15 lengths in Tremont

ELMONT, N.Y. - Trainer Patrick Biancone believes the future is now for Henny Hughes, and the future is bright, indeed.

After overcoming trouble to win his debut at Monmouth Park, Henny Hughes romped to a 15-length victory in Monday's $107,700 for juvenile colts at Belmont Park. Short Circuit got up for second, 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Caleb Pond. Creve Coeur, Loushe, and Bello Victorio completed the order of finish.

In his debut, Henny Hughes was pinched back at the break and rallied from off the pace to win by six lengths. Monday, Henny Hughes stumbled slightly at the start, then engaged in a three-horse speed duel with Caleb Pond and Creve Coeur before drawing off under a hand ride from Gary Stevens. Henny Hughes, a son of Hennessy owned by Gulf Coast Farms and Martin Cherry, covered 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.67 over a fast main track.

"Last time he did it from behind," Biancone said. "This time, he was in a speed [duel]. He seems to go with any kind of style. He's speed on speed.

"He's bred to be a 2-year-old. Today was a perfect gallop. A fast one, but I think the track was fast."

Stevens said Henny Hughes was fired up and not standing properly in the gate, which led to him to take a slight misstep when the doors opened.

"He actually overbroke himself and stumbled a little bit, but he's very athletic," Stevens said. "He picked himself up. I was going to let [Creve Coeur] go, but a horse came rushing up on the inside and forced me to go up in there. He's real professional."

Biancone said Henny Hughes would likely make his next start in the Grade 2, $150,000 Saratoga Special on July 28.

* Bright Abundance ($4.90) outfinished Asti through the stretch to win the $61,100 Plenty of Grace Stakes by three-quarters of a length. Asti finished second, 2 1/2 lengths ahead of Lady Cheyne.

Bright Abundance, under Richard Migliore, covered a mile in 1:33.38. Christophe Clement trains Bright Abundance.