Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Saturday, June 25
Best Bet: SUCCULENT (10); Best Value: LIBRETTO (6)
FIRST: Bet of the Century was a clear-cut second in debut at Parx; call in eight-horse field with six newcomers. Song Parody owns win-early breeding on both sides of pedigree; could be the goods. E Z Toll debuts for streaking Michelle Nevin stable; follow the money.
SECOND: Home for Christmas is speedy and rested; controlling frontrunner with proper ride. Rheaume owns a win and a second in two starts; logical contender. I'm Fine lost a head bob at the wire for second money to Rheaume; must consider.
THIRD: Eminent Victor was just a length behind a next-out winner when third in Grade 1 stakes in lone turf start; rates close call. Oakhurst, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, packs powerful late kick; dangerous. Al Qahira has trained sharply since clear-cut maiden win in last start; don't overlook.
FOURTH: Jet Set Juliet drops and returns to dirt; weakness of field is selection's strength. Keen Dancer was an improved third in last; price will be tempting. Dancing Rosalie lands in soft group for first start; worth long look.
FIFTH: Fingal's Cave was an ultra-impressive winner in debut; more to come. Gringotts regressed in last after hitting board in six of last seven starts; must consider. Captivating Cara fired half-mile bullet since last start; very interesting.
SIXTH: Libretto tallied solid final fraction when a tough-trip sixth in last; improvement predicted. Beachfront Bid has finished second in 4 of 5 starts; runner-up again? With Bells On owns speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
SEVENTH: Sixty Three S, a clear-cut maiden winner in the slop last time, tallied fast late-pace figure in lone grass outing; call based on price. Moped Dennis broke maiden by seven lengths at Finger Lakes last out; razor sharp and very playable. Vocalize, another last-race maiden winner, fired half-mile bullet in the interim; must consider. Brazillionaire should be aided by cutback to 7 furlongs.
EIGHTH: Venti Valentine has trained strongly since failing to beat a runner in Kentucky Oaks last out; too much for these on "A" game. Shahama was a useful sixth when making stateside debut in Oaks; very interesting. Juju's Map, from Brad Cox barn, owns three wins and two seconds from five starts; be no surprise.
NINTH: Big Agenda makes first start since claimed by streaking stable; tight work tab seals the deal. Grand Journey was just neck behind top selection when second on April 30; right in the thick of this. Smile Bryan is a front-running threat on best efforts; don't ignore.
TENTH: Succulent has trained with a purpose since tough-trip fourth in first grass start; worth another chance at juicy ticket. Queen of Lies took backward step in last after game placing in previous start; rebound potential. Quick Power Nap went to the sidelines and returns with Lasix after strong second in debut last summer; dangerous. Wine Goddess could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
