Steve Matthews' Belmont selections for Sunday, May 1
Best Bet: RHOMBIQUE (4); Best Value: CARLY HUSTLE (6)
FIRST: Ria's Angel could find the 1 1/16-miles distance right in her wheelhouse. Colloquy was a fast-figured second in last; logical contender. Curlin's Wisdom was bested by a next-out winner when third in last; must consider.
SECOND: Bar Fourteen projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Uncle Curly could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Barleewon owns two wins, a second and a third in four starts on Belmont sod; worth long look at long price.
THIRD: Tough Tickets holds an edge on pace and final figures; tough to bet on or against at likely paltry price. Red Revolution failed to beat a runner in last two but was 12-length winner three starts back; rebounds? Mr. Fidget would be aided by front-end meltdown.
FOURTH: Rhombique was a clear-cut second on dirt last out; handles switch to sod. Mozay owns two seconds and two thirds from four starts; underlay potential. Contemporary Art debuts for Chad Brown; really need more?
FIFTH: Soldier Rising consistently logs field's fastest late-pace figures. Tide of the Sea is speedy and could capitalize on soft lead. Sanctuary City is competitive on best efforts; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: Carly Hustle gets confident price boost after second to a much-the-best winner in last; three works in the interim seal the deal. How Lucky was freshened after winning two in a row this past winter; very dangerous. Amity Island makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Grabbing the Money broke maiden by an expanding 20 lengths at Mahoning Valley last time; ready for prime time. Pier Forty gets class relief and owns rapid back numbers; very interesting. Pineapple Man owns speed, fast figures and sharp current form; everything but a playable price.
EIGHTH: Miss Majorette fired eye-catching 5-furlong bullet at Casse Training Center on April 12; ready to roll. Assertive Style failed to get job done when second in last at Fair Grounds; runner-up again? Gogo Shoes is working swiftly for first start since November; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: Dads Good Runner is quick from the gate and from a dam that has produced two turf winners; wire to wire. Smoke and Heat gets Lasix and moves to grass after tough-trip placing in debut; very playable. Urban Forest should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs; big-time threat. Devil's Outlaw makes stateside debut for Chad Brown; obvious contender.
