Steve Matthews Belmont selections for Saturday, June 11
Best Bet: SCUTTLEBUZZ (8); Best Value: THREE JOKERS (2)
FIRST: Safalow's Mission logged fast-figured maiden score in last; more to come. Win for Gold has delivered strong efforts in both starts; dangerous. Unique Unions is speedy and fresh; must consider.
SECOND: Three Jokers notched swift late-pace figure in last; enhanced kick with slight cutback. Power Agenda should move forward with return to dirt. Higher Quality fits the classic Chad Brown pattern; big-time player.
THIRD: Echo Zulu holds an edge on internal and final numbers. Matareya is riding a three-race winning streak; very interesting. Divine Huntress is competitive on best efforts.
FOURTH: Speak of the Devil notched swift late-pace figure when winning stateside debut; pairs up. Leggs Galore is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Regal Glory owns 11 wins from 18 starts; obviously must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Lone Rock is razor-sharp and loves the distance. Fearless is ultra-consistent and training strongly. Warrant could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
SIXTH: Jack Christopher has yet to taste defeat in three starts; unplayable price, however. Pappacap was second to top selection in Pat Day Mile; worth long look. Chasing Time could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SEVENTH: Clairiere is training sharply and is 1-for-1 at Belmont Park. Search Results, 2-for-2 at Belmont, has drilled three times since winning last; dangerous. Malathaat, another that's perfect at Big B (1-for-1), owns field's fastest final figures on "A" game.
EIGHTH: Scuttlebuzz tallied rapid final fraction when winning third in row last time; keeps on giving. Arrest Me Red owns six wins from nine starts; logical, short-priced contender. True Valour could play out as the speed of the speed; odds will be tempting.
NINTH: Flightline has won his three starts by a total of 36 lengths; wow! Speakers Corner is no less a monster himself; tremendous Met Mile for watching only. Happy Saver has never been worse than third in nine starts; enjoy.
TENTH: Channel Maker projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Gufo was compromised by plodding pace and wide trip last time; be no surprise. Highland Chief got the better of Gufo when a 19-1 winner in Man o' War; don't ignore.
ELEVENTH: Mo Donegal was done in by horrendous trip in Kentucky Derby; may fall through the cracks in the wagering. We the People is the "now" horse after winning Peter Pan by 10 lengths; likely underlay. Rich Strike could be in the right place and at right time if fractions get fast and furious once again. Nest is a talented filly that owns four wins, a second and a third from six starts; this year's Rags to Riches?
TWELFTH: Floki's Flight makes first start since claimed by Rudy Rodriguez; call in wide-open turf sprint. Al's Rocket makes third start of form cycle; serious player. North Carolina's speed must be respected; right in the thick of this.
THIRTEENTH: Happy Hill Lil was a determined winner on Belmont sod last out; takes another. Flip My Id is fresh and owns speed; dangerous. Shamalamadingdong was a clear-cut maiden winner in last; very interesting. No Payne could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues; don't overlook.
