Steve Matthews' Belmont at Aqueduct selections for Sunday, June 15

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comJune 14, 2025

Best bet: SILENT DREAMER (9)

Best value: REALITY STAR (7)

FIRST: Stars and Stripes tallied swift final fraction when third in debut at a mile; added furlong plays to strength. Last Man Standing was a clear-cut second in last; very dangerous. Into Inspiration owns speed and rates a puncher's chance at a price.

SECOND: Hilarious Affair is fresh and training strongly; ready. Heaven Street could prove tough if able to secure clear lead. Tiz Dashing logged one win on this surface and distance; worth long look.

THIRD: No Problem drops, adds blinkers and moves to dirt; breakthrough predicted. Free Dance moves to main track for potent turf-to-dirt barn; very interesting. Army Proud drilled three times since last start; must consider.

FOURTH: Rudy Rodriguez entry: Beachwalker uncorked last-to-first run to win most recent and mate Funny Joke is rested and can win from on or off the pace; potent pairing. President Z drops and owns fast back numbers. Divine Leader also gets class relief and outworked 90 rivals in half-mile drill on June 9; right in the thick of this.

FIFTH: Summer in Adriane passed 11 runners from the quarter pole to the wire when winning last; takes another. Fuerteventura, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, drops and gets favorable cutback; big-time player. Landman Friday made sustained rally to break maiden in last; don't ignore.

SIXTH: Intellectual never got involved in debut on dirt but is bred to move forward on sod; surface switch is key. Dancinginthepark displayed out-of-the-blue speed in last; headed in the right direction. Sweet Tone is 0-for-15 but owns competitive back numbers; price will be tempting.

SEVENTH: Reality Star tallied solid late-pace figure when a useful third in debut; more to come. Shirl's Delight owns speed and fast numbers; 0-for-15 slate is the negative. Wake Up Lauren should move forward with return to dirt; worth long look at long price.

EIGHTH: Devilsgotacause could get the early jump in bulky field. Cognoscenti tallied five-length win in first start on Big A turf; very dangerous. American Grant could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.

NINTH: Silent Dreamer gets Lasix for 3-year-old debut; fires big shot. Fast Market is fresh and returns to maiden ranks; very playable. Laughing Lady gets the meds and adds blinkers; worth long look. Upon a Star is from a dam that has produced two turf winners; must be factored into the mix.