Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Sunday, June 12
Best Bet: WICK LOVES A FIGHT (9); Best Value: BREAKING STONES (6)
FIRST: Belarus is fresh and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; breakthrough predicted. Bunty Windermere owns speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. To the Tune could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Bells On Her Toes has drilled twice since winning second straight last time; more to give. Let's Be Clear drops after even fourth in last; dangerous. Waters of Merom should be aided by cutback to 7 furlongs.
THIRD: Gimmick projects as the main speed on the rail with heads-up ride. Diamond Collector owns three seconds from five starts; runner-up again? Stand Up Comic is training swiftly for first start since December; big-time threat.
FOURTH: Mandy Green was a non-stressful fourth in first start since two-month absence; forward move predicted. Princess Blakely makes first grass start for Chad Brown; need more? Runaway Rockette makes first start since claimed; don't dismiss.
FIFTH: Capital Structure fits the classic Chad Brown profile; if you can't beat them, join them. Angel Palm was a front-running winner in first start on Belmont sod; worth long look. Flying Fortress owns two wins from three starts; must consider.
SIXTH: Breaking Stones should possess enhanced staying power with turnback to 6 furlongs; 3-furlong bullet on Wednesday seals the deal. A Longtimeago gets class relief and loses the blinkers; very interesting. Litterbox could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SEVENTH: Vienna Code makes third start of form cycle and packs potent kick on best efforts; call based on price. Equal Pay is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Brattle House outworked 116 rivals last week after fast-figured, front-running score on May 5; could easily take another.
EIGHTH: U Should Be Dancing was a hard-charging third in last; more to give. Miss Delicious failed to fire when favored in same last race as top selection; improvement expected. Freedomofthepress chased swift splits when fourth in May 14 dash; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Wick Loves a Fight gets class relief and makes first start since gelded; sitting on breakthrough. I Am the Law is 0-for-11 but owns field's fastest final figures; mixed message. King of Sting made menacing middle move and flattened in the lane last time; very interesting. The Iceman Commeth is from a dam that has produced three turf winners; stay tuned to the tote.
