Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, June 14
Best Bet: WINTER'S GHOST (7)
Best Value: STAMP OF APPROVAL (9)
FIRST: Immigration Law was a change-of-pace third last out; more to give. Sabby Sunset owns speed but has lost ground in the stretch in all six starts; must take the good with the bad. Calling an Audible bested top selection by more than five lengths last time; could easily take this.
SECOND: Disco Star consistently logs field's fastest late-pace figures. Boston's Phinest was a useful fourth in lone grass start; big-time player. Mischief Lady could prove very tough on a soft lead.
THIRD: Dolce Sera should pack amplified late wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Fuligni is fresh and logged most recent win after similar layoff. Harlan's Bond is right in the thick of this on "A" efforts.
FOURTH: Cold as Hell projects as the speed of the speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Hatch bounced last time after front-end score two back; rebound threat. Kunshan Bridge gets confident two-level price hike after clear-cut win in last; worth long look.
FIFTH: Remember the Chief was pace- and position-compromised when third in last; three tight works in the interim seal the deal. Linda Rice entry Aerate drops two levels and returns to dirt and mate Sequential also gets class relief and makes third start of form cycle; potent pairing. Battle Anthem is riding a forward line on the numbers; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Slapintheface displayed newfound speed in last; return to rating tactics is key. Baron of Sealand owns two wins from three starts and is bred to handle switch to sod. Smooth Breeze was rested after hard-charging score on April 27; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Winter's Ghost fired 5-furlong bullet since change-of-pace third in last; forward move predicted. Tiberius Mercurius lost a head bob for all the money last time; be no surprise. He's Got This drops in first start since claimed; mixed message.
EIGHTH: Prince of Truth was done in by wide trip versus pricier field last out and owns faster back figures. Mackville owns speed and should be favorably placed in bulky field. Shakin the Belle could benefit from today's additional sixteenth; worth long look.
NINTH: Stamp of Approval worked three times since chasing fast fractions and fading last out; tighter today. Hola Gata needed last and logs rapid late-pace figures on best efforts. Alette d'Oro tallied only win on Big A turf; price will be tempting.
10TH: Motel Patel is fresh and projects as the main speed. Cousin Ed, a hard-charging second in last, will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Orie was done in by rough start in last; don't ignore. Prince of Dance is a newcomer that's bred to run on grass; follow the money.
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