Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Thursday, June 8
Best bet: MIDNIGHT STROLL (4)
Best value: MOVIE MOXY (2)
FIRST: Beads is from a dam that has thrown two turf winners. Mayfly hails from potent first-out barn. Dr. Ray D. owns grass bloodlines on both sides of pedigree.
SECOND: Movie Moxy logged solid late-pace figure when winning last; takes another. Beneath the Stars is speedy and could be very tough on a soft lead. Chi Town Lady would be aided by fast fractions.
THIRD: Commandeer has fired bullets since tough-trip placing at Keeneland; more to come. Cold Hard Cash is rested and owns fast back numbers. Dynadrive could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
FOURTH: Midnight Stroll gets class relief after middle move and fade in last; duly tightened. You Look Cold could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Missy Greer could play out as the main speed.
FIFTH: Federalist Papers handles marathon distances and compiled solid work tab for first start since last fall. Shad Nation could prove very tough on a soft lead. Peace Seeker was compromised by plodding pace last out; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Built to Last should move forward with return to dry ground; rates close call. Improper drilled twice since sharp second in last. Jester's Song is more than good enough on best efforts. Win for Gold's speed must be respected.
SEVENTH: Maxwell Esquire logged his most recent win on Belmont sod last spring. Runningwscissors is riding a two-race winning streak; very playable. Big Package is a three-time winner on Big B grass; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Chocolate Gelato compiled sharp work tab for 3-year-old debut; big effort on tap. Aunt Becca tallied fast late-pace figure when winning last at Keeneland; dangerous. Red Carpet Ready owns four wins from five starts; must consider.
NINTH: Revalita logged fast final fractions in both stateside starts; gets there today. Spansive is speedy and has won both starts; big-time player. Prerequisite was a winner the first time she touched Belmont sod; hard to toss.
10TH: Daddyslilbosslady makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; weak field helps. Robyn and Eli is a repeated failure at short odds; you've been warned. Maggie gets the meds for first start since last fall; worth a look. Red Butterfly is rested and tallied sharp effort in debut last summer; right in the thick of this.
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