Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Friday, May 27
Best bet: GALLINA (6)
Best value: ROSSA VELOCE (8)
FIRST: Forte concluded work tab with half-mile bullet; best guess. Wasabi Boy also is training sharply; stay tuned to the tote. Vamonos is the only member of this five-horse field that has started; must consider.
SECOND: Its All Relevant logged second straight front-running score last time; takes another. Glory Road overcame wide move on turn when a clear-cut winner at this level last out; dangerous. Magnificent Chrome could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
THIRD: Mostly Harmless was an improved fourth in last; call based on price. Osiria was third in key race in lone grass start; very playable. Bali Belle regressed in last after fast-figured placing in prior; bounce-back potential.
FOURTH: New York Banker has won three of last four; more to give. Chloe Rose was a tough-trip second in last; big-time threat. Baba makes first start since claimed by Rudy Rodriguez; be no surprise.
FIFTH: Guardian Moon fell victim to sizzling splits last out; softer flow predicted. Sassy Melissa logged two sharp works since clear-cut score last time; worth long look. Mischievous Dream should pack intensified kick with cutback to 6 furlongs; very interesting.
SIXTH: Gallina was rested after winning two in a row this past winter at the Big A; tight work tab for return seals the deal. No Chalk has delivered strong efforts in both starts; dangerous. Stone Creator owns a win and three seconds from four outings; hard to ignore.
SEVENTH: Fast N Fearious moves to grass after impressive maiden win in last; pairs up on either footing. Storm Shooter wheels back in a hurry after game placing this past Saturday; must respect. Juulstone drops and could be sitting in the catbird seat if pace meltdown ensues.
EIGHTH: Rossa Veloce has drilled three times since non-stressful fifth in last; breakthrough predicted in first start since claimed. Eloquent Speaker fired 5-furlong bullet for first start since March; dangerous. Betsy Blue is another that's fresh and notched swift 5-furlong drill; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: Road to Remember projects as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Tempermental will be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the lane. Bertinga should be aided by cutback to sprint. War in Paradise also turns back in distance and makes third start of form cycle; must be factored into the mix.
