Diversify has turf in future

ELMONT, N.Y. – Diversify, who won the Saginaw Stakes last Sunday by 2 3/4 lengths to improve his record to 5 for 8, could make his next start on turf, trainer Rick Violette said.

Violette doesn’t see a good dirt option at Saratoga for Diversify, and he did work him once on the grass course at Belmont, where he went five furlongs in 1:00.98.

Diversify is a gelding by Bellamy Road out of the Street Cry mare Rule One. Lady Digby, a half-sister to Rule One, was a Grade 3 stakes winner on turf.

“He’s got some turf pedigree,” Violette said. “If he improves on it, then he’s a real serious horse.”

One potential spot for Diversify is the $100,000 Lure Stakes on Aug. 5, a race restricted to horses who have not won a graded stakes.

Diversify earned a 100 Beyer Speed Figure for his Saginaw victory.

◗ Ricardo Santana Jr. will reunite with agent Ruben Munoz for the Saratoga meet, which begins July 21. Last summer, Santana came to Saratoga for the first time and won 14 races, with 20 seconds and 21 thirds, from 192 mounts. This spring, he moved his tack from Churchill Downs to Belmont, where he was represented by agent Steve Rushing. Through Thursday, Santana had 6 wins from 79 mounts, with 7 seconds and 11 thirds.