Roll the Di back on right track

ELMONT, N.Y. - Having run through their New York-bred conditions, Roll the Di and Bella Attrice now must test the waters in open company, something both will do in Friday's $56,000 allowance feature at Belmont Park.

The 1 1/16-mile turf race is written as a first-level allowance, but since restricted races don't count, Roll the Di, Bella Attrice, and Follow My Dream are eligible because their wins came in New York-bred company.

Roll the Di is a five-time winner, with two of the wins coming over Belmont's Widener turf course during the last spring/summer meet. Roll the Di ran twice at Saratoga, finishing fifth in this condition and seventh in a New York-bred overnight stakes. She was beaten just three lengths in both races.

"I think up there she got a little unlucky," trainer Tim Ritvo said. "She was caught down inside in both trips, really was in tight. I think she might be a little better when she gets clear. I thought both races were really good up there even though she didn't get anything."

Though Roll the Di will break from the rail, Ritvo is hoping that the return to Belmont will aid the 4-year-old filly by Adios My Friend.

"These turns are a little bit wider and more sweeping, especially when we're on the Widener," Ritvo said. "Sometimes that gives the horse a little bit more of a chance to get clear and outside and make a longer run."

Eibar Coa replaces Rajiv Maragh on Roll the Di. Perhaps the only negative for Roll the Di is the apparent lack of pace in this 10-horse field.

"There seems to be more closers in there than speed horses; that scares me," Ritvo said. "I'd rather have a good honest pace in front of me."

Bella Attrice, trained by Bruce Brown, comes off two solid wins at Saratoga and returns to Belmont, where she is just 1 for 11. Bella Attrice finished three lengths behind Roll the Di here on June 7.

Impressionism and Diverse finished a neck apart when second and third, respectively, in this condition at Saratoga. Impressionism split horses in the stretch while Diverse had to go five wide.

Platinumplus lost by two lengths when fifth in this condition at Saratoga. Trainer Billy Turner felt his filly was too keen that day and is hoping she settles better with that race under her belt. Platinumplus figures to be on or near the early lead under Javier Castellano.