Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, June 20

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

Best bet: LINARITE (9)

Best value: SPUN (2)

FIRST: Spitfire is from a dam that has produced six winners from six foals to race; charting a must. Ella Grace is another that's from a "blue hen" mare; dangerous. Louezza ships in for solid Delaware-based barn; must consider.

SECOND: Spun was a tough-trip fifth in last; forward move predicted. A Bourbon for Toby was a clear-cut second in last; big-time player. De La Cruz should be favorably positioned near the front in field that's light on speed.

THIRD: Marco T. logged five tight works since fourth in key race on April 20; ready. Snowy Evening drops and makes second start since seven-month absence; dangerous. Beautiful Thief has been idle since winning two in a row last summer; must be factored into the mix.

FOURTH: Big Gain tallied fast late-pace figures when winning last two starts; more to come. Timaeus owns speed and logs solid numbers on "A" efforts; worth long look. Houlton is fresh and could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.

FIFTH: Palace Boss is riding a two-race winning streak and could fall below the radar in the wagering. Cut the Cord owns fast figures and starts from the fence; big-time player. My Last Mission could play out as the controlling speed.

SIXTH: Spiced Up gets Lasix, is training sharply and moves to turf; primed. Discotheque has finished second in last four starts; another placing? Benny The Waiter will benefit from return to grass; don't ignore.

SEVENTH: Another Cleeshay, an ultra-impressive winner in debut last summer, is training swiftly for first start since January. Work Away demolished eight rivals when breaking maiden by nearly 10 lengths last out; very dangerous. Julita is another that exits front-end maiden score; price will be tempting.

EIGHTH: Alimara fits Chad Brown's signature pattern. Bobby Jean could get the lead by default in group that's lacking a legitimate pacesetter. Tour Jete outworked 116 rivals in half-mile bullet on June 7; very interesting.

NINTH: Linarite unleashed powerful stretch wallop to overcome tough trip to win last; pairs up. Cdakhat exits wire-to-wire score in last and could play out as the main speed once again. Delightful Flame also is fleet-footed and will prove very tough if able to outsprint second selection. Quick Power Nap runs late and would be aided by fast fractions.