Steve Matthews' Belmont at Saratoga selections for Wednesday, June 4

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comMay 31, 2025

Best bet: SIR OSCAR (10)

Best value: BETTRLUCKYTHANGOOD (7)

FIRST: Carloun could enjoy uncontested lead. Awakened is a Grade 1 winner over Spa jumps. Evie's Princess won lone start over Saratoga fences.

SECOND: Mo Plex is 2-for-2 over Spa loam. Train the Trainer will prove very tough on a soft lead. Soontobeking would be aided by pace meltdown.

THIRD: Lady Delilah gets Lasix and returns to grass; improvement predicted. Three Nines Fine could play out as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Miss Im Pulsive was a clear-cut second in debut; must consider.

FOURTH: Mama's Gold is fleet-footed and starts from the fence; main speed. Drake's Passage, 2-for-3 at Saratoga, is firing bullets for return to favorite footing. Bank Frenzy is more than good enough on "A" efforts.

FIFTH: The Paddock Pastor owns field's fastest late-pace figures. Courtly Banker logged only win on Spa sod; very dangerous. Sounds Like a Plan could capitalize on unchallenged lead.

SIXTH: Kay Cup tallied swift final fraction when breaking maiden in last; more to come. Howling Wind is speedy and could prove tough on soft lead. Storm Changer is fresh and training swiftly; don't ignore.

SEVENTH: Bettrluckythangood, idle since last November, shows a history of firing big efforts off the bench. Hush of a Storm is 1-for-1 on Saratoga turf; dangerous. Schlomo is riding a two-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.

EIGHTH: Sterling Silver was second in Grade 2 Ruffian last out; more to give in third start of form cycle. Landed owns speed and fast figures; be no surprise. Bernietakescharge is a front-running threat on best efforts.

NINTH: Spinning Colors is fleet-footed and fresh; controlling speed. Whatlovelookslike should be aided by cutback to shorter trip; worth long look. Silver Skillet is 2-for-3 on Saratoga turf; must be factored into the mix.

10TH: Sir Oscar was pace-compromised in last on Tampa turf; tight work tab at Fair Hill for return seals the deal. English Castle is speedy and could prove tough on unchallenged lead. Coach Case was a clear-cut second when favored in debut; worth long look. The Saint (Saffie Joseph) and Sir Lawrence (Chad Brown) are newcomers that must be considered if the money shows.