Ralph M. And Lauren Evans' New York-bred and 'TDN Rising Star' Diversify (Bellamy Road) emerged from his win in Saturday's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont in good order and a decision is pending on his status for the Nov. 4 GI Breeders' Cup Classic, Ralph Evans said Sunday. With his win, the gelding earned an all-fees-paid “Win and You're In” berth to the race, but Evans said he wants to take a long-term approach with his stable star.
“We think, with a 4-year-old gelding, hopefully we have a bright future,” said Evans. “There are lots of good races ahead, whether they're New York-bred [stakes] or not. The Breeders' Cup is very seductive, particularly having the entry fee paid and everything…My idea is to have a good 5-year-old and a good 6-year-old.”
Regardless of Evans' plan of action, the owner said trainer Rick Violette Jr., reported that all was well with Diversify Sunday morning.
“He came out of the race fine,” Evans said. “He scoped clean, no more tired than normal after a race like that. We'll wait a few more days and make whatever decisions we have to make from there.”
One Belmont “Win and You're In” victor who is definitely Breeders' Cup-bound is GI Champagne hero Firenze Fire (Poseidon's Warrior). Trainer Jason Servis said the colt emerged from the race in fine condition and will be pointed to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar Nov. 4.
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