Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, June 29
Best Bet: RUSSIAN REALM (4)
Best Value: EMIRATES ROAD (11)
FIRST: Victorious Wave drops two levels in first start since claimed; hard to bet on or against. Hot Rod Rumble's speed must be respected. Hatch owns competitive numbers on best efforts.
SECOND: Heard On Thestreet logged only win on Big A loam; class relief seals the deal. Retail Man will be aided by return to dirt. Gum Island gets much-needed price drop; dangerous.
THIRD: Bustin Shout gets confident price boost in first start since claimed. Sagamore Mischief chased sizzling splits in last; price will be tempting. Colonel Vargo owns 11 wins from 21 outings; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Russian Realm tallied solid final fraction when breaking maiden last time; takes another. Vettriano exits fast-figured maiden score; very dangerous. Bad Larry owns speed and must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Miztertonic compiled tight work tab for first start in more than two years; capable layoff barn. Art of Courage could prove very tough on a soft lead. Price Is Truth makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; must consider.
SIXTH: Co Conspirator bounced last time after game placing in prior; rebounds. Valenzan Day had claim voided after clear-cut score at this level in last; mixed message. Disappearance gets price hike after solid win in last; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Mattingly owns sprinter's speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Deterministic owns running style and pedigree to handle move to grass. Move to Gold packs potent late wallop; be no surprise.
EIGHTH: Low Society was done in by poor start in last; deserves another chance. Cynane chased scorching fractions in last; front-running threat. Reflexivity is training sharply for first start since last September; worth long look.
NINTH: Repo Rocks packs potent kick on "A" efforts; strong work tab seals the deal. Subrogate was a determined winner in last; very playable. Runninsonofagun moves up on wet tracks; upgrade accordingly.
TENTH: Az U Chase Me was a visually impressive winner in last; more to come. Just for Luck is effective from on or off the pace; big-time player. Yo Daddy was a hard-charging second in last; must consider.
ELEVENTH: Emirates Road ships in after four-length score on Pimlico turf last time; pairs up. J J's Joker is training strongly for switch to sod and is bred to improve on grass; very playable. Shadizaar logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts; price will be tempting. Indian Mischief owns fast back figures; right in the thick of this.
