Diversify steps up to Grade 1 company in Jockey Club Gold Cup
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Photo:
NYRA/Chelsea Durand
Visiting Belmont Park's main track this morning, Ralph & Lauren Evans' multiple stakes winner Diversify breezed five furlongs in 59.78 seconds for his final workout in preparation for a start in next Saturday's Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup.
A 4-year-old New York-bred son of Bellamy Road, he has collected three wins from six starts this year. Last out, he bested state-breds on August 21 in the Evan Shipman by an impressive 11 ½ lengths giving trainer Rick Violette, Jr. the confidence to enter him against Grade 1 competition.
"He went terrific this morning," Violette said. "He was so impressive in his last start and he seems to be gaining confidence as his career has progressed so we feel he's deserved an opportunity to see what he can do against open company."
With three wins and two second-place finishes from five career starts at Big Sandy, Violette is encouraged with Diversify's affinity for his home track and believes his front-running style is not a hinderance for the 1 ¼-mile distance.
"Coming off his last race, I'm not concerned about the distance at all," added Violette. "He's been near or on the lead in many of his races, but it all depends on the pace scenario of the race. If they run the first quarter in 45 [seconds] then I'll be worried, but if we're able to get a tactical trip it shouldn't be an issue."
Source: NYRA Communications
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