Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Friday, June 24
Best bet: MISS ALACRITY (6)
Best value: BARLEEWON (8)
FIRST: Mrs. Boomer was a clear-cut second to a runaway winner in debut; takes next forward step. Frosty Invasion owns speed and returns to dirt; dangerous. Bavarian Creme also is fleet-footed and switches back to main track; must consider.
SECOND: Seeds of Time logged two most recent wins when fresh and rested; history repeats. Matoula was a front-running winner in last at Parx; very playable. Quasar drops and owns fast back numbers; don't ignore.
THIRD: Most Wanted Man was pace- and position-compromised when third in debut on Tampa turf this past winter; ready for return. Fort Ticonderoga is from a dam that has produced three turf winners; big-time player. Growth Capital has run second in both starts; be no surprise.
FOURTH: Mia Bea Star makes quick return after non-stressful fourth this past Saturday; forward move predicted. Caragate owns speed and adds blinkers; serious, front-end threat. Sister Linda was a 12-length maiden winner in last start; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Ten Cent Town outworked 108 rivals in half-mile breeze on June 12; best guess in 2-year-old dash. Gambling Girl, a $200K yearling, debuts for Todd Pletcher; watch the board. Quick Chaos debuts for potent first-out stable; could be the goods.
SIXTH: Miss Alacrity projects as the main speed with aggressive handling. Purrageous Dyna could be in the garden spot if fractions get fast and furious. Finest Work made sustained run to win last; big-time contender.
SEVENTH: It's All Relevant is fleet-footed and takes two-level price drop; best if not damaged goods. Peruvian Boy compiled tight work tab for first start since February; more than good enough on "A" effort. O Shea Can U See would be aided by pace meltdown.
EIGHTH: Barleewon owns field's fastest late-pace figures on best races; four works since last start seal the deal. Front Line Dancer tallied swift final fraction when a determined maiden winner in last; worth long look. Rally Squirrel makes peak start of form cycle and could be in stalker's perch.
NINTH: Gather the Facts was a tough-trip second in debut on Belmont turf this past April; signature series of Chad Brown works is the clincher. Frosted Oats gets Lasix after game placing in last; very dangerous. Charley Rude is training strongly for first start in 10 weeks; very interesting. Full Count Felicia owns speed and will benefit from cutback to sprint; don't ignore.
