Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Friday, June 17
Best bet: ROSIA BAY (1)
Best value: SHESADANCINGQUEEN (7)
FIRST: Rosia Bay tallied rapid late-pace figure when fourth in key-race debut; half-mile bullet on Sunday seals the deal. Contemporary Art was a sharp second when favored in debut; logical contender. Sahlabiya was just a neck behind second selection in first start; be no surprise.
SECOND: Propensity wheels back in a hurry after determined win on June 5; pairs up. Montatham should pack enhanced kick with cutback to sprint; very playable. Box of Joe is riding a two-race winning streak; must consider.
THIRD: Game Theory was a tough-trip third in last; more to give. Frosted Bourbon drops and returns to dirt; improvement expected. Simple Sugar held two lengths to the good on top selection when a game second in last; obviously could take this.
FOURTH: Miss Tapirado is fresh and owns speed; controlling front-runner with aggressive handling. Eylara logged swift final fraction when third in stateside debut; very dangerous. Linny Kate was a non-stressful fourth in last; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Highway Queen has worked three times since failing to impact in last; class drop in weak field is key. Rigby owns speed, also gets class relief and is training sharply; big-time player. Gagliano packs potent kick on best efforts; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: Wailin Josie should possess intensified late wallop with slight cutback in distance. Quality Stones could play out as the main speed with proper ride. Khali Magic could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Shesadancingqueen has trained with a purpose since useful fifth in debut; more to give. Gracefully Wild was second in last two starts; obvious threat. Rent Control flashed newfound speed in last; very interesting.
EIGHTH: Newbomb is firing bullets for first start since December; speed of the speed in compact field. Three Two Zone was a top-figured winner in last and could be in garden if top selection gets hooked on lead. Chateau is fleet-footed and could make life miserable for those who wager on top selection.
NINTH: Ria's Angel owns a running style that should be aided by switch to sod. Kong Loves a Fight bounced last time after improved-figured third in prior; rebound potential. Addicted to You makes peak start of form cycle; don't ignore. Reap What You Sow displayed improved speed in last; worth long look.
