Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, May 25
Best bet: SHAKIN THE BELLE (6)
Best value: ST JAMES THE GREAT (7)
FIRST: Trade Secret regressed in last after determined win in prior; rebounds. Sister Linda should be aided by cutback to 7 furlongs. Cupids Girl owns fast back numbers.
SECOND: First Sons is fresh and working with a purpose. Stanley Rough was a tough-trip third in debut; dangerous. Irie Man should pack enhanced kick with cutback to sprint.
THIRD: Aula tallied improved internal numbers in last; set for best. Bad Larry, a front-end winner in last, could prove very tough on a soft lead once again. Jackson Heights will impact if pace meltdown ensues.
FOURTH: Ekwanok was a non-stressful sixth in return from three-month layoff; forward move predicted. Heavenly Girl worked twice since chasing fast fractions in last; dangerous. Naughty Destiny gets Lasix for first start since last fall; worth long look.
FIFTH: Fast and Frisky could play out as the main speed with aggressive handling. Can't Fool Me packs potent kick on "A" efforts; very playable. Firsttimeinforever was a game second in last; logical contender.
SIXTH: Shakin the Belle worked three times since improved placing in last; more to come. Hours in a Day drops after speed and fade in debut; very interesting. Apuro makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; must consider.
SEVENTH: St James the Great was pace-compromised in last start; two sharp works in the interim seal the deal. Legend of Time came up short in stateside debut last out; tighter today. Triple Espresso logged only win after similar layoff; worth long look.
EIGHTH: Stella Mars was a useful fourth in first start since five-month layoff last time; set for best. Smokin' Hot Kitty is riding a two-race winning streak; big-time threat. Saratoga Gaze ships in for Kathleen O'Connell after clear-cut win on Tampa turf last time; nice fit with these.
NINTH: Valenzan Day drops and makes quick return; improvement predicted. Funkenstein looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Disappearance should move forward with return to dirt; don't ignore.
10TH: Boss Three O Two turns back and switches surfaces; call if able to escape AE list. Russi could be in the garden spot in field with ample speed. Li'l Lang could prove very tough if able to clear other front-runners. Big Prankster was a tough-trip fifth in last; must consider.
11TH: Frozen Four is rested and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; ready. Jhirsch, another that drops into maiden claimer, compiled tight recent work tab; dangerous. Your Mission and Impulsive Spending are deep closers that could land in exotics at beefy number.
