Distance a question for Diversify in Evan Shipman Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Rick Violette had planned to have a runner in Monday’s $100,000 Evan Shipman Stakes at Saratoga. But Diversify wasn’t the one he was planning on running.

However, Violette didn’t feel he had Samraat totally fit for the race, so he called an audible at entry time and instead put in Diversify, who does look like the horse to catch and beat in the 1 1/8-mile race for New York-breds.

Though Diversify was coming off a smart-looking 2 3/4-length victory in the Saginaw Stakes at Belmont on dirt July 2, Violette was planning to run the gelding by Bellamy Road on the grass at Saratoga, working him twice over the Oklahoma turf course. Violette had Diversify entered in a third-level allowance on the grass Aug. 5, but that race came up saltier than Violette would have liked for a turf debut.

“A large part of me wants to find out how he’ll handle turf because the upside there is good,” Violette said.

Diversify is 5 for 8 in his career, with all races on dirt. Though he is 2 for 3 in races carded around two turns, Diversify did finish seventh of nine in the Stymie Stakes in March, his only try at the Shipman distance of 1 1/8 miles.

“The distance has me concerned, his only bad race is at a mile and an eighth,” Violette said.

Diversify, the 124-pound highweight, will break from post 5 under Irad Ortiz Jr. He does look like the controlling speed of the race.

Royal Posse has won the Evan Shipman each of the last two years, but his recent form has not been good. Still, he is 5 for 8 at Saratoga and 9 for 14 at 1 1/8 miles.

Papa Shot, second to Diversify in the Saginaw, and Governor Malibu loom the major threats. Good Luck Gus and Ostrolenka complete the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Diversify, by Bellamy Road
Last 3 Beyers: 100-98-102

◗ His last three races are all solid, including losses to Rally Cry and Weekend Hideaway and a victory in the Saginaw.

◗ Did show the ability to rate when beaten a nose by Weekend Hideaway in the Commentator.

◗ Fired a bullet half-mile work on the dirt earlier this week.

Governor Malibu, by Malibu Moon
Last 3 Beyers: 95-95-88

◗ Finished fourth in the Grade 2 Brooklyn just 12 days after he ran third in the Commentator Stakes.

“I ran him back quick and now we’ve just taken our time and he’s training well,” trainer Christophe Clement said. “I think I’ve got him back to where he needs to be, and it’s exciting. We’ll see what happens.”

Papa Shot, by Distorted Humor
Last 3 Beyers: 90-96-104

◗ In solid form, including a runner-up finish to Diversify two starts back.

◗ This will be his first start at 1 1/8 miles, but three starts back he beat New York-breds by 13 1/2 lengths in a one-turn 1 1/16-mile race at Belmont.