DiVito has two in Twilight Thursday feature

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Like some of his colleagues who under different circumstances might have consolidated their stables entirely in Chicago this summer, Jimmy DiVito also has a separate division of horses at Churchill Downs.

It’s an economic necessity given the well-documented business struggles at Arlington Park. Most of DiVito’s best horses are here, including Queenofthepalace and Lovely Bernadette, who will face each other for the first time in the richest race on a Twilight Thursday program that kicks off another four-day race week at Churchill.

Queenofthepalace, with leading jockey Corey Lanerie to ride, will vie for favoritism in a field of six fillies and mares entered in the $59,700, third-level allowance scheduled for a mile on turf.

“She’s been pretty consistent and looks like she’s in a good spot,” DiVito said this week from Arlington. “I think a mile is her best distance.”

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Lovely Bernadette, with Chris Landeros to ride, is an unknown quantity on turf. After winning 3 of 5 starts last year at 2, including the Rags to Riches Stakes at Churchill, the filly has gone off form this year.

“Sometimes the transition from 2 to 3 can mean you get a different horse, but hopefully she’ll take to the grass,” DiVito said. “I’ve got to give her a shot. She’s had a tough time lately. We’d like to see her turn things around, and maybe this will do it.”

Among the opponents for the DiVito duo are Celestial Insight, Dear Elaine, and Scatter Gun.

As an aside, DiVito had his stable star, Recount, entered in the Grade 3 Aristides here last Saturday but decided to scratch in favor of the restricted Cammack Memorial this coming Saturday at Arlington. “It’s just a better spot for him,” he said. “He won the race the last two years and fits a lot better with Illinois-breds.”

The Thursday feature goes as the fourth of eight races on a card that starts at 5 p.m. Eastern. One other allowance (race 7) also is on tap, with Ntestinalfortitude a heavy favorite in the $55,300, first-level race at 1 1/16 miles. The gray 4-year-old colt earned a 90 Beyer Speed Figure in a flashy maiden victory May 26 and will be trying two turns for the first time.

“Obviously, he’s shown he’s got a lot of talent,” trainer Dale Romans said. “He acts like he’ll get a route of ground. We’re going to give him the opportunity to show what he can do.”