Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, May 2
Best bet: GUT FEELING (6)
Best value: AWATEA (8)
FIRST: Eric from Miami compiled tight work tab for first start since February; ready. Ava's Uncle Billy, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, could prove tough on a soft lead. Gum Island makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; right in the thick of this.
SECOND: Maggie T looms the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. I Feel the Need could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Try It Again is working consistently for first start in eight weeks; must consider.
THIRD: Donegal Surges is riding a two-race winning streak; takes another. Excellent Timing could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Rotknee owns speed and fast figures; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: I Love Cara gets much-needed class relief; call based on price potential. Gun Maestro is fleet-footed but lacks staying power; vulnerable favorite? Papi On Ice regressed in last after hard-charging placing in prior; rebound threat.
FIFTH: Daunt compiled tight work tab for first start since last fall; rates close call. Agent Creed has the benefit of the rail and logs fast late-pace figures on "A" efforts; big-time threat. Mondego owns speed and could get early jump in compact field.
SIXTH: Gut Feeling tallied rapid final fraction when a determined winner last out; pairs up for new barn. High Heat could play out as the main speed in field that's light on front-runners. Holdtheflight bounced last time after fast-figure win in prior; rebound potential.
SEVENTH: Jackson Heights was compromised by slow pace when a clear-cut second in last; more to give in second start since seven-month layoff. Messi the Magician owns sprinter's speed and could prove tough on an unchallenged lead. Battleoflexington fired crisp half-mile drill since fast-figured third at Keeneland last time; must consider.
EIGHTH: Awatea is from a dam that has produced three turf winners; big effort on tap. Izzy Sweet Girl was a useful fourth in debut at Gulfstream and should be aided by today's additional furlong. Marco T. owns two seconds and two thirds from four starts; obvious player. Ocean Mermaid is fresh, owns speed and hails from Wes Ward barn; must be factored into the mix.
