Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, June 30
Best Bet: IRISH JACKSON (3)
Best Value: COBBLESTONE BRIDGE (9)
FIRST: Prairie Dunes logs field's fastest final fractions; fresh and ready to roll. Treaty Obligation owns three seconds and three thirds from six starts; another minor award? Pentathlon has finished third in last two; more show dough?
SECOND: I'm Thinking compiled tight work tab for first start in 12 weeks; primed. Shop Lifting has burned money when favored in all four starts; you've been warned. Bourbon Serengeti was a willing second in debut; right in the thick of this.
THIRD: Irish Jackson should pack intensified wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. First Class Cat drops and returns to dirt; dangerous. Fulingi needed last; price will be tempting.
FOURTH: Five to Two could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Newsdley is speedy and will prove very tough on a soft lead. George's Vice also is fleet-footed and logged both wins on Big A loam; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Printrack could play out as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Gun Maestro also is fleet-footed and is riding a three-race winning streak; big-time player. Beachwalker could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SIXTH: Miracle Mike will be aided by return to turf; third start of form cycle seals the deal. Liar's Poker is 2-for-3 on Big A sod; very dangerous. Clear Conscience tallied only win on Aqueduct turf; very interesting.
SEVENTH: God Laughs is rested and gets Lasix; breakthrough effort predicted. Six Fortyfive fired swift half-mile drill last week; worth long look. Mission Hill exits game placing in last; must consider.
EIGHTH: Cupid's Heart owns field's fastest late-pace figures; strong work tab seals the deal. St. Benedicts Prep exits 10-length score in last; dangerous. My Gal Jal could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
NINTH: Cobblestone Bridge makes first start with maiden-claiming tag after being pace compromised in last. McCullough moves to turf for Chad Brown; need more? Four Top, also from the Brown barn, was a change-of-pace fifth in last; worth long look. Poker Joker made a forward move on the numbers last time; don't ignore.
