Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, May 11
Best bet: JOEY FRESHWATER (4)
Best value: HOLDER CLOSE (11)
FIRST: Blake B. was done in by sizzling splits last time; crisp half-mile drill last week seals the deal. O'Trouble needed last and owns fast back numbers. Goldini will be aided by return to dirt.
SECOND: Neecie Marie is rested and owns fast late-pace figures. Whitebeam fits the quintessential Chad Brown profile; be no surprise. Spirit And Glory exits front-end score in last; right in the thick of this.
THIRD: Russian Realm has trained sharply since hard-charging third in debut; more to come. Romantic Charmer owns speed and gets Lasix; worth long look. Sorority Prank also is fleet-footed and must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Joey Freshwater fired 5-furlong bullet since fast-figured win in last; pairs up. Straight No Chaser, a SoCal shipper, owns speed and swift numbers; big-time threat. Twenty Four Mamba makes third start of form cycle; don't ignore.
FIFTH: Warrior Richard was a useful fourth in first start since six-month absence; forward move predicted. Devil's Cay can prove tough on a soft lead. Kant Beat the Rock would be aided by pace meltdown.
SIXTH: Protective tallied fast late-pace figure when third in Wood last time; rail draw is the clincher. Native Land is riding a two-race winning streak; very playable. Lonesome Boy pressed the pace when fourth in Wood; must respect speed. Deterministic regressed big-time when 90 cents on the dollar in Wood; gets back on track today?
SEVENTH: Silver Knott was a clear-cut winner at 1 1/2 miles last time; distance not a problem. Tawny Port packs potent late kick; dangerous. Nations Pride, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, was an impressive winner in lone start on Big A sod; serious contender.
EIGHTH: Inflammabelle was freshened after showing improved speed in last; call in wide-open maiden dash. Mary Union Ave gets blinkers and Lasix; very interesting. Granadilla was a much-improved second in last; must consider.
NINTH: Dancin in Da'nile drilled three times since non-stressful fourth in last; forward move predicted. Runningwscissors is a two-time winner on Aqueduct grass; worth long look. Belouni is trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Flavien Prat; iron-clad underlay.
10TH: My Girl Jal took backward step in last after winning prior two starts; call based on price. Belle of the Ball is a last-race winner from the sizzling Linda Rice stable; must respect. Bon Adieu is a front-running threat on "A" efforts.
11TH: Holder Close tallied career-best number on Big A turf last fall; it's all about the footing. Bossy Jeans makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; dangerous. Rozay Summer also gets class relief and is lightly raced, too; don't overlook. Lem Me Drink is 0-for-15 but owns fast grass figures; very interesting.
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