Diversify takes on other speed in Commentator

ELMONT, N.Y. – Sprinters are stretching out, and routers are cutting back in distance, but when it comes to the one-turn-mile configuration of Monday’s $200,000 Commentator Stakes, that might be just perfect for the speedy Diversify.

Though he enters the Commentator with the fewest number of starts among the 11 entrants, Diversify figures to make his presence felt early as the potential primary speed in the Commentator, one of six stakes and 10 races restricted to New York-breds on Monday’s Big Apple Showcase program at Belmont Park.

“It might be his best distance,” trainer Rick Violette said. “He obviously has a high cruising speed.”

Diversify, a gelding by Bellamy Road, won his first four starts before throwing in a clunker in the Stymie at Aqueduct, where he was beaten six lengths by the stakes winner Sunny Ridge. Being part of a hot early pace might have been his undoing that day.

Most recently, Diversify finished second in an open, second-level allowance race to Rally Cry, a horse being pointed to the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap on June 10.

Diversify may have to deal with other speed from Eye Luv Lulu, Hit It Once More, Loki’s Vengeance or Gypsum Johnny. Last year, Weekend Hideaway won the Commentator in gate-to-wire fashion, beating just four horses over a muddy track.

Two years ago, Empire Dreams won the Commentator, rallying from fifth in a six-horse field. He will be making his first start for trainer George Weaver, who is adding blinkers to the gelding’s equipment.

Royal Posse and Governor Malibu finished ahead of Empire Dreams when that trio ran 1-2-3 in the Empire Classic here last fall.

Celtic Chaos, the winner of the Affirmed Success going six furlongs on opening day, is stretching out to a mile in this spot.

◗ The $200,000 Critical Eye is topped by the lightly raced Katheryn the Wise, who makes her stakes debut after winning her first two races impressively.

“I think this filly has an exceptional amount of ability,” trainer Chad Brown said.

Picco Uno, a winner of four straight races for trainer Jason Servis; Bee Noteworthy, who has won four of her last six; and Play Me a Memory, a winner of four of her last five, top the competition in the Critical Eye.

COMMENTATOR (RACE 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

Diversify, by Bellamy Road

Last 3 Beyers: 103-90-97

◗ Could play out as the speed of the speed in this bulky field after breaking from post 5 under Jose Ortiz.

“If he’s doing it comfortably, that’s what we should do,” Violette said.

Empire Dreams, by Patriot Act

Last 3 Beyers: 91-79-90

◗ Has a 3-4-1 record from nine starts at Belmont Park, including a victory in this race and the Empire Classic in 2015.

◗ Makes first start for trainer George Weaver, who is adding blinkers to the gelding’s equipment.

“He’s just a lackadaisical work horse, which made me think blinkers would help him,” Weaver said. “We worked him in blinkers, and the kid that was on him liked him better.”

◗ Weaver noted that he trains Dynamax Prime, a half-brother to Empire Dreams, “who trained like a different horse in blinkers.”

Royal Posse, by Posse

Last 3 Beyers: 95-92-72

◗ Though he’s best around two turns and at 1 1/8 miles, he figures to get the right pace setup to be effective and was second in this race last year.

◗ Drops out of three poor efforts in open-company stakes.

CRITICAL EYE (RACE 6)

KEY CONTENDERS

Katheryn the Wise, by Uncle Mo

Last 2 Beyers: 90-83

◗ Has made only two starts, has never run in a stakes, and has the outside draw in this 11-horse field. Still, she has run fast in both of her starts, and as a first-time starter, she beat Play Me a Memory, who has come back to win four of her next five starts.

Picco Uno, by Macho Uno

Last 3 Beyers: 81-78-89

◗ Brings a four-race winning streak into the Critical Eye and will try the one-mile distance for the first time.

“I don’t think the distance will be an issue,” said Servis, adding that a little rain wouldn’t hurt the filly’s chances either.

Bee Noteworthy, by Read the Footnotes

Last 3 Beyers: 77-66-72

◗ Comes off a sharp allowance win at Aqueduct and tries Belmont and the one-mile distance for the first time. Had a wide trip when caught behind a slow pace when second two starts back to next-out winner Play Me a Memory.