Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, May 26
Best bet: STEADFAST RESOLVE (7)
Best value: FERRIS MULER (9)
FIRST: Going for Glory is fresh and packs potent kick on best efforts. Steppin' Hawk owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad. Shehanah makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; worth long look.
SECOND: Nova Rags compiled tight work tab for first start since March; primed and ready. Gun It owns speed and hails from Linda Rice barn; must respect. Durante drops and makes third start of form cycle; right in the thick of this.
THIRD: Majestic Eagle gets confident price boost after front-running third in last on Monmouth grass; odds will be on your side. Value Engineering is fresh and logs fast figures on "A" efforts. Sagamore Mischief owns sprinter's speed and makes quick return; very interesting.
FOURTH: Blake B. jumps two class levels after winning last by more than nine lengths; takes another. Midnight Trouble has trained sharply since clear-cut score on April 4; big-time threat. Complete Agenda bounced last time after strong placing in prior; rebound threat. Bourbon Calling, a four-length winner in last, makes first start for Linda Rice; worth long look.
FIFTH: Belle of the Ball moves to grass after tallying fast late-pace figure when winning last; pairs up. Majestic Return could play out as the controlling speed; very interesting. A New Peace and Kerry are two that would be aided by fast fractions; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Screw Loose drops and returns to dirt; forward move predicted. Agility won last and owns faster back figures; very dangerous. Screaming Uncle is another last-race victor that has foundation on the numbers; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Steadfast Resolve was pace- and trip-compromised in debut at Gulfstream; solid work tab for return seals the deal. Factor Analysis has finished second at short odds in both starts; runner-up again. Ciao Chuck was a tough-trip third in last; very interesting.
EIGHTH: Cut the Cord logs fast late-pace figures on top efforts and is training with a purpose for first start since November. Mason Mania makes third start of form cycle after tallying improved internal numbers in last; dangerous. Shadow Dragon is working swiftly and Baldizar is fleet-footed; two more contenders in contentious group.
NINTH: Ferris Muler could receive perfect setup in nightcap that's jammed with speed; throw deep. Z Dancer holds razor-sharp current condition; very playable. Launch Control is training sharply for first start since last spring. Art of Courage could prove very tough on a soft lead.
