Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, May 15

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comMay 9, 2025

Best bet: TAP TO MISCHIEF (5)

Best value: TODO MEN (8)

FIRST: Malibu's Dynamite flashed improved speed in last; makes another forward move. Calling an Audible will be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Giant At Work is fresh, training with a purpose and drops; very dangerous.

SECOND: Kiss Me Hardy needed last and owns fast back figures; call based on price. Bells Beach was second in last two starts; likely underlay. Into Amore is right in the thick of this on best efforts.

THIRD: Snappin Buttons exits sprints and could capitalize on soft lead in turf debut. Brocknardini logs field's fastest late-pace figures. Snowy Evening would be aided by fast fractions.

FOURTH: Sheer Will should be aided by today's additional quarter mile. High Note displayed newfound speed in last; worth long look. Snowyte gets blinkers and Kendrick Carmouche; serious front-end threat.

FIFTH: Tap to Mischief, a pace-pressing winner in debut last summer, is working sharply for return; rates call based on positional speed. Hilarious Affair packs field's most potent late wallop; very dangerous. Determinedly is rested and owns speed and fast dirt figures; don't dismiss.

SIXTH: City Blocks logged only win on Big A loam; crisp half-mile drill on April 27 seals the deal. Blue Eyed Scout is fleet-footed and drops; big-time player. Shaman Princess exits three straight placings; another minor award?

SEVENTH: Duckphat displays a history of firing big efforts off the bench; throw deep in NY-bred field. Grace Reformed delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency; for chalk lovers only. Chasing Daylight is speedy and could play out as the dominant front-runner.

EIGHTH: Todo Men should pack enhanced kick with cutback to sprint. Benny The Waiter displayed improved speed in last; serious, front-running player. Cuando tallied a fast figure on Big A sod last summer; very interesting. Nod to Tran should improve with return to grass; price will be tempting. Shadow Banking debuts for Chad Brown/Flavien Prat; short price is a given.