Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, May 2
Best bet: TONGUE TWISTER (8)
Best value: MORE FOR SURE (9)
FIRST: Rodeo Star gets confident two-level price boost in first start since claimed; can take this with "A" effort. Yo Leven bounced last time after fast-figured win in prior; rebound threat. Beira owns two seconds and two thirds from last four starts; vulnerable favorite?
SECOND: Sundaeswithsandy logged four tight works for first start since March 1; ready. Castle Island is a front-end threat on best races; dangerous. The King Cheek, another that owns speed, must avoid pace battle.
THIRD: Silvology will be aided by cutback to shorter marathon. Beach Bomb wired top selection when winning second straight last out; big-time player. La Mehana was defeated by Beach Bomb in last two but could turn the tables with fast fractions.
FOURTH: Have a Cigar drilled three times since being eased when favored in last; recoups losses. Counter Move could play out as controlling speed; very dangerous. Palace Boss was a clear-cut second in last; must consider.
FIFTH: Transactional should pack enhanced staying power with cutback to 6 furlongs. King Covee is working with a purpose at Fair Hill Training Center; set for big effort. Java Buzz is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Musical Maestro could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SIXTH: Rachel's Rock drops, makes quick return and gets added ground; improvement predicted. Willow Bend was a sharp second in last; worth long look. Equus will be forwardly positioned in competitive field; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Echo in Eternity was a tough-trip fourth in last; call based on price potential. Sandy's Garden displays a history of firing big efforts off the bench; possible speed of the speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Short Shift also is quick from gate and is riding a two-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Tongue Twister is fresh, ships up from South Florida and owns fast late-pace figures; fires big shot. Summer Whirl (packs solid stretch kick) and Spool (a winner in lone turf start) are uncoupled runners from Graham Motion stable; both must be considered. Galley Head was a determined winner in last on Gulfstream's Tapeta surface; very interesting.
NINTH: More for Sure notched swift final fractions in all four grass starts; set for breakthrough. Consumer Sentiment makes first turf start for Chad Brown; serious underlay. Delaware Devil is from a dam that has produced four grass winners; worth long look. Mendee is training sharply for first start since November; don't ignore.
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