Diversify dominates Evan Shipman Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - It looks like Diversify’s turf experiment will be put on hold a little longer.
Rick Violette said he wanted to try Diversify on the grass at some point this summer, but after the New York-bred gelding cruised to an 11 1/2-length victory in Monday’s $100,000 Evan Shipman Stakes over Saratoga’s main track, grass was the furthest thing from the trainer’s mind.
“Boy, it messes everything up,” Violette said with a smile in the winner’s circle. “So much for long-range plans.”
Diversify won the Saginaw Stakes by 2 3/4 lengths July 2 at Belmont Park and afterward Violette said he would like to try the gelding on the turf. He had him entered in an allowance race on the turf here Aug. 5, but scratched after Diversify didn’t eat up for a few days before the race.
“I wasn’t going to experiment on the turf wondering how well he was doing and if he ran poorly not knowing what to think,” Violette said.
The extra 16 days certainly did nothing but help Diversify, as did the scratches Monday of Royal Posse - winner of the last two Evan Shipmans - and Ostrolenka.
Breaking from the outside post in the four-horse field under Irad Ortiz Jr., Diversify cruised to the lead through a quarter in 23.59 seconds, a half-mile in 47.35 and six furlongs in 1:11.09 while maintaining a two-length lead over Governor Malibu.
Diversify continued to run fast and extended his lead to six lengths after a mile in 1:34.99. He covered the 1 1/8 miles in a sharp 1:47.48.
Governor Malibu finished second, 11 1/2 lengths in front of Papa Shot. Good Luck Gus was last of four.
“This was awesome,” said Violette, who trains Diversify for owners Ralph and Lauren Evans. “I kind of thought he had it in him.”
Diversify improved his record to 6 wins from 9 starts and increased his lifetime earnings to $325,425.
While the turf is unlikely for Diversify’s next start, Violette said he may try him in open company in a race such as the Grade 2, $300,000 Kelso Handicap going a one-turn mile at Belmont Park on Sept. 23.
