Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Belmont at the Big A – Racing News and Analysis for May 1, 2026


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Belmont at the Big A — May 1, 2026 | Quick Reference Handicapper Card

Partly cloudy, mid-50s to low 60s, northwest winds 10–15 mph. Main track fast, turf firm to good. Slight speed bias on dirt; tactical versatility favored on turf. Rice and Franco dominate the card — any Franco mount under 5-1 deserves full respect.

Race 1 — 6.5f Turf | Maiden $55,000

Jet Off (6) is the deserving chalk with tactical speed to wire a short turf sprint. Hard Circle (4) and Two Ducks (7) are the logical underneath horses with competitive connections. Town Dog (1) and Fess (8) are worth including in trifecta coverage at 8-1.

Race 2 — 9.5f Dirt | Claiming $35,000 N2L

Sarir (4) is the top Rice runner and the play, with stablemate Rare Society (2) forming a natural exacta partner at 2-1. A.P. SLINGSHOT (5) is the primary outside threat at 4-1 with the meet's leading rider. Ishkabibble (3) at 10-1 is worth a small trifecta inclusion in a six-horse field.

Race 3 — 1.1875m Dirt | AOC $45,000 N2X

Early On (6) is the top selection in a competitive field and the most reliable single of the race. Fast And Frisky (4) at 3-1 and She's Grand (3) at 4-1 are the preferred underneath horses, with Mommasgottagun (2) as a broad trifecta addition. Giant At Work (1) at 8-1 could spoil if the pace collapses.

Race 4 — 1.1875m Dirt | Allowance $55,000

Playa Del Mar (3) is a confident single combining the meet's top trainer and top jockey. J J's Ranger (1) at 5-1 is the best value alternative and the preferred exacta partner. Turn And Count (4) and Cocktailsnkringle (7) round out trifecta structures.

Race 5 — 1.4375m Turf | Maiden Special Weight

Judge Boushay (9) is the top selection on the strength of Chad Brown's unmatched turf pedigree, pending jockey conflict resolution. Honoree (4) is the equally live co-favorite and becomes the primary selection if Franco rides it instead. Sfumato (7) at 4-1 is the card's strongest value play underneath at this distance.

Race 6 — 1.5m Turf | Sheepshead Bay-G3

No Show Sammy Jo (3) is a legitimate single in Grade 3 turf marathon company with Motion at the helm. Dona Clota (5) at 2-1 is the most compelling alternative, with Kiamba (6) at 4-1 offering the best exacta value against the chalk. Unreasonable (4) at 8-1 merits small trifecta coverage as the second Clement entry.

Race 7 — 1.1875m Dirt | AOC $110,000

Phileas Fogg (4) is the controlling speed and the straightforward top selection. Le Gris (3) and Whittington Park (1) complete a natural trifecta box as the Rudy Rodriguez barn pair. Otello (5) at 6-1 with the meet's leading rider is worth adding to wider trifecta structures.

Race 8 — 1.4375m Turf | AOC $45,000

Scythian (1) is the card's most confident single — Mott, Franco, and a proven turf router. National Archive (7) at 4-1 is the clear top alternative, with Midnight Concerto (2) and Royal Bobbie (9) as the best trifecta fillers. Monitor Franco and Lezcano booking conflicts before finalizing wagers.

Race 9 — 1.1875m Turf | Maiden $55,000

Key Actress (12) is the top selection in a chaotic fourteen-horse field, with Magnum's Microbrst (2) as the natural co-favorite partner. Classic Cara (3) at 4-1 and Defining Role (8) at 6-1 are the preferred secondary choices, with Sweet Mackenzie (11) and Mo Complex (7) rounding out trifecta and superfecta coverage. Wide superfecta tickets are strongly recommended given the field size and likely payout upside.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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