Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big selections for Sunday, May 5
Best bet: CLEM LABINE (8)
Best value: MY MAN WOODY (4)
FIRST: Doc Sullivan was a clear-cut second in last and owns faster back numbers. J D Factor tallied solid late-pace figure when winning last; dangerous. Proprietary Trade bounced last time after fast-figured win two back; rebound threat.
SECOND: Bernietakescharge projects as the main speed with aggressive ride; addition of Lasix seals the deal. Oversubscribed tallied fast final fraction when winning debut; big-time player. Tina Ballerina was a clear-cut winner in first start on turf; very interesting.
THIRD: Gal in a Rush is training sharply for first start since last summer; ready. Risk Free looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Lady Milagro's speed must be respected; price will be tempting.
FOURTH: My Man Woody tallied swift late-pace figure when breaking maiden by more than seven lengths last time; takes another. Thank You Jon is speedy and drops; dangerous. Freeze Pop is more than good enough on "A" efforts; must consider.
FIFTH: Jackson's Dixie gave way after chasing swift fractions last time; turnback to 6 furlongs is key. True Empress will be in the garden spot if pace collapse comes to pass. Little Linzee is another that would be aided by swift splits.
SIXTH: Twelfth Man was a useful third in first start since six-month layoff last out; more to give. Face Abarrio could play out as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Feathers Road packs solid late wallop on best races; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Eliminate should pack amplified late kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Doncho is fleet-footed and owns fast figures; could easily take this. Yo Yo Candy fired 5-furlong bullet since last start; very interesting.
EIGHTH: Clem Labine gets confident price boost after winning last by more than six lengths; pairs up. Amundson was a determined winner at this level in last; very dangerous. Chateau can prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Chuck Willis has won three of last four starts; right in the thick of this.