Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Sunday, June 26
Best bet: DEEP COVER (7)
Best value: THE IMPORTANT ONE (8)
FIRST: Missing Link projects as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling; half-mile bullet on June 17 seals the deal. Grudge also is quick from the gate and could make life miserable for those who wager on top selection. Bay Jewel could be ideally positioned in stalker's seat if top pair hook on the lead.
SECOND: Mo Damorninggrouch made incremental move on the numbers in first two starts; blinkers on is key. Saratoga Gaze owns two seconds and a third from three outings; logical. Lollygag makes third start of form cycle; worth long look.
THIRD: Tiergan owns field's fastest late-pace figures on "A" efforts. Prince of Pharoahs is riding a forward line on the numbers; dangerous. Control Group drops and owns competitive back figures; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Triple Elvis fits the classic Chad Brown profile; paltry price is the problem. Golden Alchemist is an uncoupled newcomer from Brown barn; rule change needed to make this pair a wagering entry. Upper Level noticeably picked up the tempo in final workout; good race to sit on your hands.
FIFTH: Get the Candy can get the money if able to secure an unchallenged lead. Translate could be sitting in the catbird seat if top selection wilts in the lane. Stella Mars logged both wins on Belmont sod; very interesting.
SIXTH: Proven Hope logged two, crisp half-mile works since even fourth on turf last time; amplified wallop with return to dirt. Southern Flag is training swiftly for first start since last summer; big-time danger. Capital Velocity concluded work tab with 5-furlong bullet; stay tuned to the tote.
SEVENTH: Deep Cover has trained sharply since dominant, front-end score last month; pairs up. Phantom Smoke, 2-for-2 on Belmont turf, owns favorable sit-and-pounce style. Shiraz drops, makes quick return (10 days) and gets appropriate cutback to shorter sprint; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: The Important One is speedy and 2-for-2 at Belmont Park; takes another. Bank Sting turns back to 6 furlongs and will be in the garden spot if top selection faces pace pressure. Queen Arella has rattled off five in a row at Finger Lakes; could be ready for prime time.
NINTH: Dixie Kitten is rested, training with a purpose and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag. Sweet Maeve fired half-mile bullet since improved fourth in last; very playable. Cupere gets class relief and fired two bullet drills since last outing; very interesting. Smokin Hot Kitty could find mile distance right in her wheelhouse; right in the thick of this.
