Steve Matthews' Belmont Stakes horse-by-horse betting analysis

1. We the People

Aptly named because the people (your competition at the track) will be all over this up-and-coming son of Constitution. Sure, his 10-length score in the Peter Pan was ultra-impressive visually and numerically, but that will only serve to ensure he'll be a wagering underlay when they spring the starting gate. Also, the possibility of a bounce (regression) looms after such a monumental effort. Certainly could win, but not where we're putting our money.

2. Skippinglongstocking

Made this handicapper look foolish (something that happens quite frequently) when a non-threatening fifth as our top selection in the Preakness. I've officially jumped off the bandwagon.

3. Nest

This filly from Todd Pletcher takes on the boys and it's not without precedent, as Pletcher's Rags to Riches won the 2007 Belmont Stakes. Would be a feel-good story if she pulls it off, but the opinion from this corner is she's a cut below the top contenders. Underneath in exotics only.

4. Rich Strike

Rich Strike got the setup and the trip of a lifetime when he won the Kentucky Derby with aid of a scorching early pace. Still, he has the look of a horse that should be able to handle the 1 1/2-mile distance but he'll be nowhere near his 80-1 odds when he pulled off that Derby shocker. Mixed message if there ever was. To borrow an old horse-racing adage: If you weren't invited to the wedding, then you don't want to go to the funeral.

5. Creative Minister

Creative Minister earned a new pace top (fastest internal number in his career) when third in the Preakness. He's improving with each start but may attract more money than he deserves. Warrants a game-time decision and could be worth a wager if his odds are 10-1 or greater.

6. Mo Donegal

This handicapper's selection in the Derby, so maybe our judgment is clouded, but this son of Uncle Mo endured a nightmare journey on the first Saturday in May. Throw that effort out and consider his Wood Memorial victory two races back where he logged a sizzling final fraction and displayed a stride that says the 1 1/2-mile trip is right in his wheelhouse. Take the money clip off the bankroll if he's 3-1 or greater at post time.  

7. Golden Glider

This might be one of the easiest toss-outs in the field. He's simply too slow on late-pace and final figures. Move on.

8. Barber Road

His final figures are a cut below the majority of the field (pun intended), and he's a plodding type that will only show less speed with blinkers off on Saturday. Hunch bet for hair stylists only.

By Steve Matthews

steve.matthews@newsday.com