Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Monday, May 27
Best bet: ROYAL SPIRIT (3)
Best value: CLEAR CONSCIENCE (7)
FIRST: My Mitole and War Tax are uncoupled firsters that debut after outworking 277 rivals in final two drills; not much more to go on in field of newcomers. Paula's a Star hails from capable first-out stable. Authentic Kingdom ships in from Parx for John Servis; follow the money.
SECOND: Sweet Rebecca has yet to taste defeat in two starts for Chad Brown; gets hat trick. Segesta, also from Brown barn, was a determined maiden winner in last; must consider. Grayosh is the third Brown runner in a six-horse field; this game has never sunk so low.
THIRD: Royal Spirit was pace- and position-compromised last time; rail draw seals the deal. Catch a Wave logged fast late-pace figures in both starts; very dangerous. Hold the Salsa was a strong second at 58-1 last time; worthy exotics inclusion.
FOURTH: Sandy's Garden is fresh, training swiftly and owns fast figures on best efforts. Jackson's Dixie was done in by front-end pressure last time; dangerous with softer flow. Backed by Gold could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
FIFTH: Prince James regressed last time after clear-cut win in prior; rebounds. Heir Port has finished second in last two; runner-up again? Colonel Vargo has won four of last five starts; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Dreams She Dreams projects as the main speed with aggressive rider aboard. La Salvadorena exits hard-charging second in debut; very playable. Risk Threshold should be aided by cutback to sprint.
SEVENTH: Clear Conscience logged lone win on Big A sod; fresh and ready. Gem Mint Ten was a fast-figured second in last; big-time player. American Grant makes third start of form cycle; wake-up potential.
EIGHTH: Brown Don't Stop was compromised by wide trip last time; packs potent kick on "A" game. Secured Landing could play out as the controlling speed with heads-up handling; dangerous. Mama's Dream makes first start for Rudy Rodriguez after breaking maiden by more than nine lengths last month; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Chalky Cat is favorably posted outside in contentious nightcap; first start since claimed by Linda Rice is the clincher. Timaeus logged fast figures in both starts; worth long look. Ice Road owns eight seconds from 22 starts; another minor placing? Endowed owns fast back figures; right in the thick of this.
