Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, May 10
Best bet: TOUGH LOVE TORRES (8)
Best value: REMEMBER THE CHIEF (7)
FIRST: Phoebeinwonderland is training swiftly for debut for Wes Ward; call in NYRA's first baby race of year. Richard Ave noticeably picked up the tempo in final drill; dangerous. Out On Bail compiled tight work tab; follow the money.
SECOND: Betta Go Go Go gets confident price boost after clear-cut placing in last. Cage Match logged fast figures in both starts; obvious player. Mr. Papagiorgio was a tough-trip third in debut; don't ignore.
THIRD: Meraviglioso took backward step in last after three fast-figured efforts; rebounds. Sister Linda is fresh and makes first start since claimed. Jolly Miss Jill drops and is more than good enough on "A" game.
FOURTH: Breath Away is training with a purpose for first start since December; ready. Malleymoo, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, also is training sharply and has the benefit of the rail; dangerous. Be Your Best owns positional speed in field that lacks a legitimate front-runner; worth long look.
FIFTH: Clancy Fancy owns speed and adds blinkers; come and catch him. Boom Boom Thunder could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Royal Browne concluded work tab with crisp half-mile; stay tuned to the tote.
SIXTH: Senbei is rested, working consistently and projects as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling. Clear the Air exits clear-cut score at Keeneland last time; very playable. Run Curtis Run could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
SEVENTH: Remember the Chief has trained strongly since useful third in debut; breakthrough predicted. Military Road owns two seconds and a third from three starts; be no surprise. Commander of Truth fits the classic Chad Brown pattern; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Tough Love Torres tallied swift late-pace figure when winning key-race debut; more to come. P Mutter Pickle is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Sohana has hit the board in all four starts; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Vin Santo returns to preferred footing and makes third start of form cycle; throw deep in wide-open nightcap. Frozen Four gets Lasix and makes first start since gelded; big-time threat. Jhirsch owns speed and drops into maiden claimer; very interesting. Az U Chase Me could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
