Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, May 1
Best bet: IRISH JACKSON (4)
Best value: HONOR THE BULL (5)
FIRST: Golden Degree projects as the main speed in compact field. Caldwell Luvs Gold could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Cupid's Heart consistently fires big efforts; logical, short-priced player.
SECOND: Despo's Dream tallied solid late-pace figure when winning last; more to give. Miss Lao owns speed, drops and gets rider upgrade; very dangerous. Dashing Della is riding a forward line on the numbers; don't ignore.
THIRD: Albedo logged two crisp half-mile works for first start in seven weeks; call based on price. Iron Man Ira could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Sunday Gilt drops two class levels in first start since claimed; something amiss?
FOURTH: Irish Jackson gets confident price boost after clear-cut win in last; pairs up. Spiritual Lady can win from on or off the pace; big-time threat. Jackie the Joker exits front-end score in last; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Honor the Bull fired a pair of swift half-mile drills since improved third in last; breakthrough predicted. Dark Devil owns five seconds and two thirds from 10 outings; another minor award? Sounds Like Fun owns competitive numbers on best efforts; must consider.
SIXTH: Spirit of Esther logged three tight works last month for first start since last fall; rates call in wide-open turf sprint. Quick Power Nap packs potent late kick on "A" efforts; could easily take this. Linarite is another that closes strongly; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Scottish Lassie tallied fast-figured score in lone start on Big A loam; likely short price is the problem. Lottie Margaret owns two wins, a second and a third from four outings; be no surprise. Dry Powder has trained strongly since determined win in debut at Gulfstream; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Judgement Time is working with a purpose at Aiken Training Track; ready to fire big effort. Lakeside Getaway owns speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Determind Princess owns stalker's style and hails from potent layoff barn; worth long look. Big Beautiful could be ideally positioned in bulky group.
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