Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Thursday, May 18
Best bet: WELCOMETOMYWORLD (1)
Best value: WONKA (8)
FIRST: Welcometomyworld should pack intensified kick with return to dirt and cutback to sprint. Georgie's Ladies could prove very tough on a soft lead. Balentina is another that owns speed and drops; must consider.
SECOND: Caribbean drops and owns fast back numbers. Musical Heart is fleet-footed and could play out as the controlling front-runner. Little Demon also is fleet-footed and must be factored into the mix.
THIRD: Trade Secret gets class relief after even fourth last time. Gypsy Janie could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Twice Smitten was a hard-fought second in last; regresses today?
FOURTH: Miss Kristy has the benefit of the rail on tight-turned turf course. Heartburn could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Anileate endured stretch-long duel when second in last; goes backward today.
FIFTH: Lola Flo, 1-for-1 on Belmont grass, fired half-mile bullet to conclude training tab. Irish Jackson was a tough-trip winner in debut; bred to handle turf. Bustin Bullet owns speed and logged only win on Belmont sod.
SIXTH: With This Vow is training with a purpose for Rick Dutrow; ready. Toned Up could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Tough Street has won four of last six starts; paltry price is the problem.
SEVENTH: Following Sea owns speed and fast numbers but has been idle for more than 17 months; must take the good with the bad. Synthesis packs potent kick on best efforts; dangerous. Three Two Zone owns competitive numbers on best efforts.
EIGHTH: Wonka should possess intensified wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Breeze Easy is another that will be running late; worth long look. Mrs. Green is fresh and training with a purpose; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: My Cara Mia Mine has drilled three times since non-stressful fifth in last; forward move predicted. Gotham Gray should be aided by today's shorter trip. Pauciloquent was a sharp third in lone turf start; worth long look. Mizz Me makes first start for Joe Sharp; follow the money.
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