Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, June 22
Best Bet: WARALO (8)
Best Value: NILRUC (9)
FIRST: Going for Glory drops and makes third start of form cycle. Fiery also gets class relief and moves to dirt; dangerous. Daytime Drama debuts for potent first-out barn; follow the money.
SECOND: Khafre is riding a two-race winning streak and now makes first start for streaking stable. Empty Tomb is speedy and starts from the fence; very playable. O P Firecracker puts blinkers on after finishing behind top selection in last two; closes the gap?
THIRD: Vesting projects as the speed on the hedge with proper ride. Greystone, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, could be the prime beneficiary if Vesting is poorly handled. Hamilton's Way logged only win on Big A sod; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Bottle Rocket was compromised by glacial splits last out; better flow makes the difference. How Sweet She Is is another that would be aided by fast fractions. Temple City Taboo logged fast numbers in last two starts; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Middle Market should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Brave Buck displayed newfound speed in last and could prove tough on a soft lead. Very Stormy is rested and training with a purpose; very interesting.
SIXTH: Tongue Twister drilled three times since sharp second on May 2; primed. Howling Wind could play out as the main speed in turf debut; worth long look. Firsttimeinforever is more than good enough on "A" efforts; must consider.
SEVENTH: Pink Ruby ships in from Monmouth after winning last two; ready for prime time. Liam in the Dust regressed last out after ultra-game second in prior; bounce-back threat. Sweet Seraphine, an uncoupled stable mate of second selection, tallied fast late-pace figure when breaking maiden in last; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Waralo pressed scorching splits when a clear-cut winner in first grass start; more to come. Yarrow would be aided by pace meltdown and is training with a purpose for first start since November; dangerous. Set is rested and can win from on or off the pace; worth long look.
NINTH: Nilruc closed into fast final fraction when a better-than-it-looks fifth in last; throw deep in wide-open nightcap. Ski Bum owns speed and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; very interesting. Come Rain Or Shine owns five seconds and one third from eight starts; another minor award? Majorca exits hard-fought placing in last; bounces today?
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