Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, June 12
Best bet: QUIET CONFIDENCE (8)
Best value: AWESOME EMPIRE (5)
FIRST: Venerini is from a dam that has produced two turf winners from two foals to race; it's in the genes. Matadora is firing bullets for first start; follow the money. Chrysalism also is training swiftly for debut; happy hunting.
SECOND: Mike Miceli entry: Joe G Twentythree and Sweetnessthrtyfour are both from "blue hen" mares; call in field of newcomers. Dinner Royale concluded work tab with crisp half mile; charting a must. Genie is from a potent first-out barn; must be factored into the mix.
THIRD: Rodeo Star drops and drilled twice since last start; timid call in weak group. Rock Harbor shows gapped-out works since breaking maiden on April 9; less than 100%? That'sthefactjack is competitive on best efforts.
FOURTH: Six Kings gets class relief and returns to dirt; forward move predicted. Golden Purchase climbs the claiming ladder after clear-cut win in last; dangerous. Because the Night would be aided by sizzling splits.
FIFTH: Awesome Empire moves to grass after defeating a next-out winner when victorious in last; takes another. Master Freud owns speed and gets favorable cutback. Unbroken Chain returns to claiming ranks; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: Looks First tallied solid late-pace figure when winning last; more to come. Catchphrase could prove very tough on a soft lead. Street View regressed in last after three fast-figured efforts; bounce-back threat.
SEVENTH: North End Lady is fresh and training with a purpose; rail draw seals the deal. Mommy's Turn overcame poor start to win last; big-time player. Lady Jasmine's speed gives her a puncher's chance at a beefy price.
EIGHTH: Quiet Confidence owns positional speed in competitive field; logged best number after similar layoff. Mac to Moore could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Dare to Breeze is a front-end threat on "A" game. Rhaenys is from a dam that has produced two grass winners from three foals to race; right in the thick of this.
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