Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Friday, June 10
Best bet: JANE GREY (7)
Best value: RYAN'S CAT (4)
FIRST: Gasoline tallied fast final fraction when a change-of-pace fourth last out; more to give. Shreveport has worked three times since useful third in debut; dangerous. Artorius has trained swiftly since clear-cut second in first start; right in the thick of this.
SECOND: Radiant Gem was compromised by wide trip in last; forward move predicted. Green Screen Queen made mild move in debut and should be aided by added ground; worth long look. Belleshazza owns speed and makes third start of form cycle; must consider.
THIRD: Obligatory is riding a three-race winning streak; owns fast late-pace figures, as well. Bella Sofia looms the speed of the speed. Glass Ceiling has won five of last six; big-time player.
FOURTH: Ryan's Cat should pack amplified kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Prisoner is fleet-footed and 3-for-3; likely underlay. Scilly Cay owns competitive back numbers.
FIFTH: Screamin' By dead heated for top prize on dirt last time; handles any footing. Athwaaq could prove very tough on a soft lead. Alwayz Late could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
SIXTH: Yarrow was a tough-trip fourth in last; crisp 5-furlong breeze last week is the clincher. Feathers Road runs late and would be aided by fast fractions. Built to Last shortens up in distance after coughing up five-length lead in stretch last time; must consider.
SEVENTH: Jane Grey is training sharply for first start since impressive win in debut more than 19 months ago; ready for return. Baba was a front-running winner two weeks ago; razor-sharp current form. Mischievous Diane also owns speed and has delivered strong efforts in all three starts; dangerous.
EIGHTH: Abaan is speedy and owns win at two-mile distance. Strong Tide packs potent wallop on best efforts. British Royalty could be in the garden if pacesetters falter in the lane.
NINTH: Jackie's Warrior was a "geared down" winner of Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes on Derby undercard; hard to be on or against. Sound Money set sizzling splits in Westchester last time; cutback to 6 furlongs plays to strength. Baby Yoda is riding a two-race winning streak and must be considered in current condition.
10TH: Bleecker Street has yet to taste defeat in six starts; paltry price is the problem. Family Way was pace-compromised when a solid second in last; very interesting alternative to top selection. Rougir notched three-length win the first time she touched Belmont sod; must be factored into the mix.
11TH: Jouster was eliminated at the start in most recent; rates close call in wide-open nightcap. Caravel hails from Brad Cox barn and owns eight wins from 14 starts; very playable. Miss J McKay was a clear-cut winner on Belmont grass on May 1; don't ignore. Tobys Heart has drilled three times since winning last at Churchill Downs; worth a look.
