Diversify back with statebreds in Commentator Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Diversify, last as the 6-5 favorite in the $1.2 million Charles Town Classic April 21 in his 5-year-old debut, will drop back into New York-bred company in Monday’s $200,000 Commentator Stakes as part of the New York Showcase Day program.

Diversify was beaten a nose by Weekend Hideaway in last year’s Commentator, but then went on a three-race winning streak that culminated with a front-running score in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup.

In the Charles Town Classic, Diversify set the pace under Irad Ortiz Jr. for the opening six furlongs, run in a manageable 1:13.16. Approaching the last of three turns, Diversify began to back up and was basically eased by Ortiz.

Trainer Rick Violette said Diversify just pulled himself up. “Two turns, and that’s enough,” Violette said. “Irad, being careful, thinking there might be something wrong … and before he realized there wasn’t, it was too late.”

Diversify has worked well since, but is likely to encounter plenty of early-speed types in the Commentator, including Weekend Hideaway, who has won the last two runnings of this race on the front end, Control Group, Can You Diggit, and Mr. Buff. Papa Shot, Pat On the Back, and Uncle Sigh also are expected to enter.