Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Saturday, June 18
Best Bet: TWO THIRTY FIVE (8); Best Value: ICARUS (7)
FIRST: Storied Fella is speedy, rested and gets Laisx; dominant frontrunner. Sensibleconclusion looms the prime beneficiary if top pick hits the wall. Makart made menacing middle move at quarter pole and flattened last time; dangerous.
SECOND: Seizing the Dream is training with a purpose for first start since February. Brazillionaire is quick from gate and could prove very tough on soft lead. Bless Bless logged seven-length maiden score the first time he touched Belmont grass; right in the thick of this.
THIRD: Jimmy the Boot was compromised by wide trip in last; forward move predicted. Uptown Hustler makes first start with maiden claiming tag and fired half-mile bullet on Tuesday; very playable. Dads Good Runner owns speed but lacks staying power; must take the good with the bad.
FOURTH: Dream Bigger could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Bad Guy drops and owns fast back numbers. Winning Drive should be aided by turnback to 6 furlongs.
FIFTH: Closing Deals owns positional speed and is working swiftly for first start in eight weeks; ready to roll. Boss Cara was a game second after poor start in last; very dangerous. Chloe Rose makes third start of new form cycle; must consider.
SIXTH: Sanctuary City owns field's fastest late-pace figures on "A" efforts. Penalty also packs potent kick on best races; dangerous. Wolfie's Dynaghost could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead.
SEVENTH: Icarus notched sizzling final fraction when third in lone turf start; slight cutback in distance seals the deal. Carpe's Dream gets class relief and adds Lasix; very interesting. Fighter in the Win gets the meds in stateside debut for Chad Brown; can't be dismissed.
EIGHTH: Two Thirty Five logged rapid late-pace number when a clear-cut winner in last; pairs up. Prince James owns positional speed and drops; worth long look. Pioneer Spirit is 1-for-1 at Belmont Park; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Mr. Kringle runs late and should pack intensified wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Veterans Beach chased swift splits when a game second in last; main speed potential. Amedeus Music has drilled twice since willing second in last; price will be tempting.
TENTH: Acamar owns sprinter's speed and could capitalize on soft lead with top-notch front-end rider aloft. Thistle, from Chad Brown barn, owns a late-running style that could play well at marathon trip. Forwardly, an uncoupled barn mate of Thistle, has the benefit of the rail on tight-turned course. Left on Boylston was an even third in lone turf outing; don't ignore.
