Steve Matthews' Belmont at Saratoga selections for Sunday, June 8
Best bet: LOVE CERVERE (7)
Best value: MILA CANDY (9)
FIRST: Two by Two by Two concluded work tab with crisp half-mile drill; charting a must. Gorrono Ranch has finished second at odds-on in both starts; another short-priced placing? Bella Bello Banker is from a dam that has produced two winners from two foals to race.
SECOND: Resilience was done in by sizzling splits last time; tighter in second start since 11-month absence. Digital Ops owns speed and the rail; big-time danger. Bramito gets confident two-level price hike in first start since claimed; very interesting.
THIRD: Just Moises logged swift half-mile work to end training tab; ready at first asking. Diblasi was a clear-cut second when favored in debut; be no surprise. Genie ships in from Monmouth to make debut; worth long look if money shows.
FOURTH: Summer in Adriane compiled tight work tab for first start since April; call based on price. Determinedly exits sprint prep in last and could play out as the main speed with aggressive handling. Enlighten is fresh and should be favorably positioned in bulky field.
FIFTH: Amundson was claimed after clear-cut score in last; takes another for new barn. Cees Get Degrees drops and owns fast back figures; dangerous. Jackson Heights could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Thank You Jon's speed gives him a puncher's chance at a price.
SIXTH: Braciole was a non-stressful third in first start since three-month layoff; forward move predicted. Caldo Candy owns speed and fast figures; short price is the problem. My Man Matty is quick from gate but has been idle for more than 18 months; must take the good with the bad.
SEVENTH: Love Cervere was a last-to-first winner in most recent; takes another. Make Haste, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, could prove very tough to catch on a soft lead. Abientot, 1-for-1 on Spa sod, makes peak start of form cycle; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Honorable Becky should be aided by stretchout in distance. Galley Head was rested after winning last at Gulfstream; price will be tempting. Tongue Twister consistently fires strong efforts; dangerous.
NINTH: Mila Candy tallied sharp final fraction when winning last; more to come. Beauty Reigns also logged fast late-pace figure when victorious in most recent; very playable. Long Neck Paula owns speed, fast figures and hails from Wes Ward barn; all the earmarks of an underlay.
10TH: On the Hill was a tough-trip fifth in last; owns a win on Spa loam. I'm Wide Awake could prove a tough customer on a soft lead. Consider It Done is riding a two-race winning streak; must consider.
11TH: Hilarious Affair consistently notches the field's fastest late-pace figures. Heaven Street was done in by sizzling splits last time; tighter in second start since seven-month absence. Acoustic Ave was a dominant winner in last; very dangerous. Tunisian Spring is firing bullets for first start since claimed; very interesting.
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