Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, May 9
Best bet: SIGNATOR (7)
Best value: ANILEATE (5)
FIRST: Save Time worked three times since improved third in last; more to give. Just Music owns five seconds from eight starts; another placing? Gioioso fired 5-furlong bullet since useful third in debut; dangerous.
SECOND Emerald Forest was an even fourth in key race last time; crisp 5-furlong drill in the interim seals the deal. Subrogate chased sizzling splits when a determined winner in last; very playable. Spun and Won consistently fires big efforts; worth long look.
THIRD: Don't Listen projects as the main speed with aggressive handling. Snappin Buttons defeated top pick by more than a length when second on April 11; big-time threat. Low Society is fleet-footed and drops; must consider.
FOURTH: Bobby the Tank drops and could get the early jump with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Wanna Winna could be the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Fighting Back also would be aided by fast fractions.
FIFTH: Anileate displayed newfound speed in last; makes another foreward step. Graceful Rose could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Pentagon logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Obrigada exits non-stressful fifth in last; breakthrough predicted. Jackie the Joker should benefit from turnback to 6 furlongs. Shesalittle Edgy is speedy and makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Signator logged all three wins on Big A loam; set for best. Kuchar gets class relief and logged three tight works since last outing; dangerous. Curbstone regressed last time after determined win in prior; rebound threat.
EIGHTH: Mauritius is speedy, fresh and fired half-mile bullet on April 11; big effort on tap. Good Medicine drops and gets favorable cutback in distance; dangerous. Dune Road is from a dam that has produced a turf winner; price will be tempting. Noble Huntsman wheels back in a hurry after failing to beat a runner on April 28; wake-up potential.
