Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, June 13
Best bet: LIGHT MAN (8);
Best value: GUN MAESTRO (7)
FIRST: Eternal Silence drops and is 1-for-1 on Big A sod; lone winner in field at the distance. Poca Mucha could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Rhiannon fits Chad Brown's signature pattern; dangerous.
SECOND: Purpose logged five tight works for first start since March. Pocket Queens also has trained with a purpose for return from freshener. Photo Finish owns speed and won last start; must be factored into the mix.
THIRD: Toga Dan should find today's 1 1/8-mile distance right in his wheelhouse. Executive Style logged crisp 5-furlong drill since non-threatening seventh in debut; improvement expected. Solo Dancing owns win-early breeding; follow the money.
FOURTH: Gala Brand consistently logs field's fastest late-pace figures. Tazara was second at 55 cents on the dollar last time; short price once again. Simply Stated gets class relief and owns fast numbers on best efforts.
FIFTH: Dancin Jane is firing bullets for first start since September; ready. Fifi La Fume was an improved second in last; dangerous. Mischievous Trick tallied fastest final figure on Big A sod last fall; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: April Antics is rested, training consistently and should offer generous price. It Takes Heart regressed in last after clear-cut placing in prior; rebound threat. Coquito has won three of her last six starts; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Gun Maestro logged improved internal numbers when a tough-trip sixth in last; class drop seals the deal. Tetsu also gets class relief and could be in the catbird seat if fractions get hot and hectic. Abadin owns fast back numbers; must consider.
EIGHTH: Light Man compiled eye-catching work tab for first start since November; shows a history of firing big efforts off the bench. Repo Rocks was a strong second in last; big-time threat. Top Gunner bounced last time after string of fast-figured efforts; dangerous.
NINTH: Princess Summer tallied solid final fractions in both turf races. Backcheck makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; very playable. Syl's Pleasure exits sprints and should secure a forward seat in turf debut; very interesting. Purest Performance was a fast-figured third in last; 0-for-16 but certainly has a chance.
