Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Saturday, July 9
Best bet: STOLEN BASE (9)
Best value: NEW YEAR'S EVE (7)
FIRST: Bustin Up owns sprinter's speed and could get early jump in bulky field. Addicted to You was a clear-cut second in last; dangerous. The Sleepychipmunk adds blinkers for barn that's profitable when donning the shades; very interesting. Media Sensation must be factored into the mix if able to escape AE list.
SECOND: Zaevion gets confident price boost after dominant win in last; takes another. Trappezoid drops and owns fast back numbers. Handy makes third start of form cycle; don't ignore.
THIRD: Voleuse fired half-mile bullet for switch to dirt. Royal Currency gets favorable cutback in distance after displaying improved speed in last. Bunty Windermere was more than 11 lengths clear of third runner when second in last; be no surprise.
FOURTH: First Captain has trained strongly since determined score in Pimlico Special; ready for prime time in Suburban. Dynamic One tallied fast late-pace figure when winning last at Churchill Downs; big-time threat. Untreated could be favorably positioned on the lead in field that's light on speed; very interesting.
FIFTH: Soulmate was second to a repeat winner in last; call based on price potential. Lonesome Fugitive has drilled four times since game placing in last; very dangerous. Eyes On Target is riding a three-race winning streak; worth long look.
SIXTH: To a T regressed in last after fast-figured victory in prior; rebounds. November Rein is speedy and gets Lasix for first time; serious contender. Chasing Cara has worked sharply since front-end score on May 19; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: New Year's Eve circled field with last-to-first move to win on Churchill Downs turf on May 6; recent half-mile bullet on Belmont grass seals the deal. Consumer Spending has won two in a row for Chad Brown; really need more? McKulick (benefit of rail) and Haughty (handy winner in last) are two more separate betting interests from Brown barn; what a game!
EIGHTH: Sterling Silver was a dominant winner in NY-bred stakes last time; handles open company. Happy Soul is fleet-footed and can prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Hot Peppers, winner of 4-of-6 in career, also owns speed and fast figures and must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Stolen Base tallied solid late-pace figure when winning Grade 2 stakes on CD sod on Derby undercard last out; more to come. Classic Causeway could play out as the controlling speed in turf debut; very interesting. Tiz the Bomb owns two wins and a second in three starts on grass; must consider.
10TH: Dreampoint notched swift final fraction when a non-stressful fourth in last; more in the tank. Heymackit'sjack took backward step in last after fast-figured third in prior; rebound potential. Salt Cay makes first grass start for Chad Brown; likely underlay.
11TH: Giramonte drops and makes third start since five-month layoff; forward move predicted. Umbria also gets class relief and returns to grass; very playable. After Five logged only win on Belmont turf; don't overlook. Sheriff Bianco is speedy and could prove very tough to collar on a soft lead.
