Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, May 3
Best bet: SHINSUN (5)
Best value: QUALITY CHIC (6)
FIRST: Two Redheads drilled four times since claimed by Rudy Rodriguez; "A" effort on tap. Army of Thoughts owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad. Shasi could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Dame Cinco tallied improved internal numbers in last; ends long drought. Kitten's Appeal earned solid final fraction in last; dangerous. Timely Conquest returns from 57-day freshener; don't ignore.
THIRD: Parnac has the benefit of the rail on tight-turned course. Royalty Interest is training strongly for first start in seven weeks; big-time threat. McKulick is 2-for-2 on Big A sod; obvious player.
FOURTH: Roman Goddess logged most recent victory after similar layoff; history repeats. St. Benedicts Prep exits clear-cut score at Keeneland last time; dangerous. Six Pack Senorita needed last and gets blinkers; wake-up potential.
FIFTH: Shinsun compiled eye-catching work tab for first start since November. Leftembehind, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, also is training with a purpose; price will be tempting. Laurel Valley was prepped in dirt sprint last time; front-running threat on best.
SIXTH: Quality Chic gets favorable turnback to 7 furlongs; amplified wallop predicted. Stolen Base was a non-stressful fourth in last; very interesting. Repo Rocks owns field's fastest numbers but has been sidelined for more than 10 months; mixed message.
SEVENTH: Feltrinelli could play out as the speed of the speed with proper ride. Final Edition debuts for Wes Ward after outworking 121 rivals in half-mile bullet last week; worth long look. Side Eye could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
EIGHTH: Post Time owns fast late-pace figures and an impressive eight wins from nine starts; enough said. Messier logged two crisp half-mile drills since dq'd from Excelsior Stakes last out; dangerous. Dr Ardito is a six-time winner on Big A loam; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: My Life Story should be aided by today's longer trip. Union Trail owns positional speed in bulky field; worth long look. Last Drink is from a dam that has produced three turf winners; don't overlook. Tony O could impact at fat ticket if pace meltdown ensues.
