Steve Matthews' Belmont at Saratoga selections for Thursday, June 5
Best bet: BOURBON MILK PUNCH (2)
Best value: OCTANE (8)
FIRST: Mythical took massive tote support when winning debut by more than eight lengths; more to come. Mercilesanihilator also won first start as the favorite; dangerous. Romeo is another debut winner that was crushed in the betting; must consider.
SECOND: Bourbon Milk Punch owns sprinter's speed and projects as the controlling front-runner. Hideaway faced stakes rivals in last start; big-time player. Share Repurchase fits Chad Brown's signature pattern; worth long look.
THIRD: Sassy C W was an ultra-impressive winner in debut at Churchill Downs; keeps on giving. Vernon Valley logged professional-looking victory in first start. Gena B was a clear-cut second in first start; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Tales of The Heart was freshened after game placing in stateside unveiling; more to come. Hold Your Breath could get the early jump with Kendrick Carmouche aboard; very playable. Cadencia consistently delivers strong efforts; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Hello Beauty needed last and rates call if able to escape AE list. Bryant and Cooper, another that needs scratches to get in, compiled tight work tab for Brown. On a Summer Day was a much-improved second in last; dangerous. Trulli Magic is bred to handle switch to sod; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Our Liberty Belle consistently logs fast late-pace figures. Velvet Vortex owns speed and swift final numbers; likely underlay. Bailintin is competitive on "A" efforts; price will be tempting.
SEVENTH: Danse Macabre could be ideally positioned in field with ample speed. Future Is Now could prove to be a tough customer if able to shake clear from other front-runners. Twirling Queen, 1-for-1 on Spa sod, outworked 69 rivals in half-mile bullet last week; must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: Octane was a non-stressful fifth in first start since seven-month layoff last time; forward move expected. Film Star was a game second at this level last time; logical contender. Classic Catch almost always runs well but usually lands only minor awards.
NINTH: Depiction was a willing fourth in last; call based on price potential. Filo Di Arianna is effective from on or just off the lead; big-time player. Donegal Momentum is 1-for-1 on Spa sod; don't overlook.
10TH: More for Sure consistently logs field's fastest late-pace figures. Faded Jeans is speedy, fresh and training with a purpose; very playable. Smartest was compromised by glacial fractions in debut; very interesting. Queens Fable is a rested runner from the Brown barn; must consider.
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