Diversify was back on the work tab for the first time since his eye catching victory in the Grade 1 Whitney three weeks earlier breezing an easy half-mile from the three-eighths pole in 48.99 here Sunday. Trainer Rick Violette is pointing Diversify for a defense of his title in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park on September 29.

"He blasted off a little bit so I told the rider to slow him down," said Violette. "I just wanted him to blow off some steam and have some fun this morning. We still have plenty of time. He'll only need a couple of breezes. I might do a two minute lick with him next. Once we get inside four weeks I'll start getting more serious and get him back on his regular, once a week work pattern."

Violette said he has not made a decision yet on Diversify's status for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

"I just want to get past this next one first, then we'll sit down and decide what the game plan is after that," said Violette.  

Diversify earned an all expenses paid, automatic berth in the Classic as a result of his win in the Whitney.