Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, June 19

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comJune 16, 2025

Best bet: DATAMAN (7)

Best value: HOT SPUN (5)

FIRST: Steel Vengeance owns speed, drops and returns to dirt; can win from on or just off pace. Solo Empire displays a profile that's similar to top selection and should offer juicy odds; very interesting. Az U Chase Me could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.

SECOND: Annexperience tallied game placings in both starts; gets there today. Roofer could prove very tough on a soft lead. King Puck owns two seconds from three starts; logical contender.

THIRD: Last Mango was compromised by making six-wide move on the turn last time; two works in the interim seal the deal. Majulu is speedy and rested; very dangerous on "A" effort. Blue Eyed Scout could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat; worth long look.

FOURTH: Mendee is working swiftly for first start in seven weeks; big effort on tap. Lady Meis ships in from Monmouth after improved third in last; price will be tempting. Cailin Dana, a SoCal shipper from Neil Drysdale barn, fired 5-furlong bullet for local debut; right in the thick of this.

FIFTH: Hot Spun spun his wheels on sloppy surface last time; forward move predicted with return to dry land. Uncle Jim is fresh and could play out as the main speed with proper ride. Lou, an uncoupled barn mate of Uncle Jim, logged both wins at today's 7-furlong distance.

SIXTH: Miss Lao, a determined winner in most recent start, makes first outing since claimed by Brad Cox. Will Be Famous has won four of last seven starts; must respect. Equus owns competitive numbers on best races.

SEVENTH: Dataman was overmatched and on wrong footing in Grade 2 stakes on Woodbine's Tapeta surface last out; big effort on tap with return to grass. Cugino is rested and consistently logs fast late-pace figures; very playable. Big Everest and Strong Quality both own speed and either could prove very tough if allowed a soft lead.

EIGHTH: Gattatiz gets Lasix and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; breakthrough effort predicted. Inflammabelle is quick from gate and could play out as the main speed. Artistic Success runs late and would be aided by fast fractions. Endless Vow is from a dam that has produced a grass winner; must be factored into the mix.