Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, May 10
Best bet: LOVE CERVERE (9)
Best value: EIGHTY GOLD (6)
FIRST: Heavyweight Champs projects as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Factually Correct also is quick from gate but must avoid duel with top selection. Braciole could be in the catbird seat if top pair engage in pace battle.
SECOND: Far Bridge has won three of last four and is 1-for-1 on Big A sod. Anglophile packs potent kick and has benefit of rail. Capture the Flag could play out as the controlling speed in compact field.
THIRD: J J's Joker was a clear-cut winner in last; more to come. Muazarah will prove very tough on a soft lead. Silo Ridge was a tough-trip second in last; be no surprise.
FOURTH: Quick to Accuse took backward step in last after fast-figured win in prior. Hero's Medal is fresh and logs fast figures on best efforts. Waitlist, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
FIFTH: Empty Tomb defeated a richer field last time; don't expect much of a price. Winter's Ghost owns positional speed in big field. Suerte drops to lifetime low; fire sale?
SIXTH: Eighty Gold makes quick return and moves to grass; improvement predicted. Wind Dancer, an uncoupled stable mate of top pick, was a fast-figured second on Aqueduct grass last summer. Man From Malta's speed must be respected; price will be tempting.
SEVENTH: Full Moon Madness bounced last time after fast-figured score two back. Whatchatalkinabout is firing bullets for first start since eight-length win in last; dangerous. Surveillance was a determined winner last out; must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: Enlighten makes third start of form cycle; forward move predicted. Daunt owns competitive numbers on "A" efforts. Magical Ways would be aided by fast fractions.
NINTH: Love Cervere should pack amplified wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Lovely Emma is speedy and firing bullets; very dangerous. Annascaul is effective from on or off the pace; must consider.
10TH: Takethemoneyhoney is fleet-footed and looms the main speed on the fence with aggressive handling. Morning Matcha needed last and is more than good enough on best races. Gun Song is training swiftly for first start in eight weeks; right in the thick of this.
11TH: Hill Road owns fast late-pace figures and fits Chad Brown's signature profile. Vassimo has speed on best efforts and could prove tough if able to hold his inside position. Captain Cook failed to deliver when favored in Wood; don't dismiss. Surfside Moon is a nice fit on the final numbers; price will be tempting.
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