Steve Matthews

<h3> Best bet: CUPERE (1) </h3> 
<h3> Best value: BLOOD MOON (6) </h3> 
 FIRST: Cupere logged solid final fraction when a tough-trip fifth on Belmont turf last fall; strong work tab seals the deal. Eau Claire has fired two bullet drills since two-move third in last; dangerous. Saratoga Chrome owns speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. 
 SECOND: Irish Giant was a useful third in first start since two-month layoff; more to come. Alfie Solomons is fleet-footed and looms the dominant speed if unchallenged upfront. Brunate bested top selection by a neck when second on May 5; must consider. 
 THIRD: Greatest Love could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Chaysenbryn should pack amplified wallop with cutback to mile; big-time threat. Prairie Fire is fresh and training with a purpose; don't ignore. 
 FOURTH: King Angelo projects as the main speed with proper handling. Alphalfa could be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the lane. Not Phar&nbsp;Now owns a win and a third in two starts on Belmont grass; worth a look. 
 FIFTH: Voleuse has worked four times since strong third in debut; more to give. Shinfull gets Lasix after speed and fade in debut; dangerous. Sarah's Splendor debuts for potent first-out stable; follow the money. 
 SIXTH: Blood Moon drops after earning improved internal numbers in last; forward move predicted. Healy's Hope could impact at fat numbers if fractions get fast and furious. Golani Brigade&nbsp;owns fast back numbers; likely to be overbet. 
 SEVENTH: Stony Point could get the early jump from inside post with aggressive tactics. Anador could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Secret Time could find 7-furlong distance right in her wheelhouse. 
 EIGHTH: Bold Victory was a visually impressive maiden winner in last and owns fast back numbers; pairs up. Luni Sima owns a win and two seconds from last tree starts; logical contender. Jake Rocks was an improved third in last but is just 1-for-31 lifetime; mixed message. 
 NINTH: Emmanuel projects as the dominant speed in turf debut. Unanimous Consent is 3-for-3 and hails from Chad Brown barn; really need more? Eliar makes stateside unveiling for Christophe Clement; very interesting. 
 10TH: Rhombique was compromised by slow splits last time; first start with maiden-claiming tag seals the deal. Cadencia owns six seconds from 10 starts; runner-up again? Hope Over Fear fired 5-furlong bullet for first outing since last autumn; don't dismiss. Investment Income is a fresh and sharply training runner from Chad Brown stable; right in the thick of this.

Best bet: CUPERE (1) Best value: BLOOD MOON (6) FIRST: Cupere logged solid final fraction when a tough-trip fifth on Belmont turf last fall; strong work tab seals the deal. Eau Claire has fired two bullet drills since two-move third in last; dangerous. Saratoga Chrome owns speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. SECOND: Irish Giant was a useful third in first start since two-month layoff; more to come. Alfie Solomons is fleet-footed and looms the dominant speed if unchallenged upfront. Brunate bested top selection by a neck when second on May 5; must consider. THIRD: Greatest Love could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Chaysenbryn should pack amplified wallop with cutback to mile; big-time threat. Prairie Fire is fresh and training with a purpose; don't ignore. FOURTH: King Angelo projects as the main speed with proper handling. Alphalfa could be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the lane. Not Phar Now owns a win and a third in two starts on Belmont grass; worth a look. FIFTH: Voleuse has worked four times since strong third in debut; more to give. Shinfull gets Lasix after speed and fade in debut; dangerous. Sarah's Splendor debuts for potent first-out stable; follow the money. SIXTH: Blood Moon drops after earning improved internal numbers in last; forward move predicted. Healy's Hope could impact at fat numbers if fractions get fast and furious. Golani Brigade owns fast back numbers; likely to be overbet. SEVENTH: Stony Point could get the early jump from inside post with aggressive tactics. Anador could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Secret Time could find 7-furlong distance right in her wheelhouse. EIGHTH: Bold Victory was a visually impressive maiden winner in last and owns fast back numbers; pairs up. Luni Sima owns a win and two seconds from last tree starts; logical contender. Jake Rocks was an improved third in last but is just 1-for-31 lifetime; mixed message. NINTH: Emmanuel projects as the dominant speed in turf debut. Unanimous Consent is 3-for-3 and hails from Chad Brown barn; really need more? Eliar makes stateside unveiling for Christophe Clement; very interesting. 10TH: Rhombique was compromised by slow splits last time; first start with maiden-claiming tag seals the deal. Cadencia owns six seconds from 10 starts; runner-up again? Hope Over Fear fired 5-furlong bullet for first outing since last autumn; don't dismiss. Investment Income is a fresh and sharply training runner from Chad Brown stable; right in the thick of this.

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Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Saturday, June 4

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Best bet: CUPERE (1)

Best value: BLOOD MOON (6)

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