Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, May 4
Best bet: SHIDABHUTI (10)
Best value: MISS LAO (11)
FIRST: Just the Sky drilled three times since improved placing in last; more to come. Spaliday failed to get the job done when odds-on last out; burns more cash? Positive Carry, an uncoupled barn mate of Spaliday, is another Chad Brown runner that looms a potential underlay.
SECOND: Play Good Pay Good set solid fractions when a front-running winner last time; takes another. Camera also was victorious in last and has the benefit of a win at the distance; very playable. Autumn Evening, another that scored in most recent, has drilled seven times in the interim; worth long look.
THIRD: Grandpa's Kid overcame slow pace when a determined winner in last; pairs up. Magnolia Midnight is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Bold Endeavor hails from the white-hot Linda Rice barn; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Debate owns fast figures and makes third start of form cycle. Lucency exits clear-cut win in last; dangerous. Mighty Atlas was game second in last; must consider.
FIFTH: Addicted to You could receive perfect setup in field with ample speed. Miracle Mike is another that will be aided by potential pace duel. Lord Flintshire is firing bullets for first start since last fall; worth long look.
SIXTH: Complete Agenda should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to mile. Cascais was second to a next-out winner last time; big-time player. Moore's Law compiled tight work tab for first start since last summer; very interesting.
SEVENTH: Clem Labine gets price boost after dominant win in last; more to come. Hot Rod Rumble was a front-end winner in last; very dangerous. Heir Port was a change-of-pace second in last; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Master Piece is 1-for-1 on Big A sod and loves marathon distances. Atone, 2-for-2 on Aqueduct turf, could easily take this on best efforts. Exact Estimate could play out as the main speed.
NINTH: American Monarch is training with a purpose for return from two-month freshener; positional speed seals the deal. Nothing Better is fleet-footed and could play out as the controlling front-runner. Our Shot has a big-time shot if pace meltdown ensues.
10TH: Shidabhuti tallied swift late-pace figure when winning last; more to come. Randomized is speedy and 2-for-2 at the Big A; serious threat. Soul of an Angel packs potent kick on "A" efforts.
11TH: Miss Lao owns a running style that should play well with switch to grass. Boxed Wine was second in both turf outings; logical contender. Alette d'Oro met arguably tougher fields in two grass starts at Gulfstream; very interesting. Laurana is rested and hails from potent layoff barn; don't overlook.
