Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Oct. 27
Best bet: SALS DREAM GIRL (3)
Best value: SOUZAK (4)
FIRST: Repole entry: Eliminate and Sturdy are both rested and training consistently; potent pairing. Chad Brown entry: Domestic Product and Middle Market also fresh and working with a purpose; neither would surprise. Bounteous should improve in second start; don't ignore.
SECOND: To a T compiled tight work tab for first start since August; ready. Everyoneloveslinda is a tough customer when allowed a soft lead; worth long look. Royal Meghan gets confident price boost for first start since claimed by David Jacobson; very interesting.
THIRD: Sals Dream Girl is working with a purpose for first start in 53 days; fires big shot. Stella Mars logs fast final fractions on "A" efforts; dangerous. Smokie Eyes logged only win on Big A sod; must consider.
FOURTH: Souzak gets Lasix and makes first start since gelded; breakthrough predicted. Legends Can't Die could play out as the controlling speed. Chess Master will be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
FIFTH: Pretti Xtreme logs fast numbers on top efforts. Toned Up will be aided by swift fractions. Missy Greer is speedy and could easily take this bunch wire to wire.
SIXTH: Tricky Temper, a change-of-pace second in last, exits dirt sprints and will be favorably positioned near the front. Gavea has yet to taste defeat in two starts; logical contender. Gold Lightning earned fast numbers in both starts; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Fluffy Socks fits the signature Chad Brown profile; primed for best. Sparkle Blue packs powerful kick on best efforts; dangerous. Miss Dracarys, a three-time winner on Big A grass, is fleet-footed and could easily make every pole a winning one.
EIGHTH: High Oak should pack amplified wallop at 6 furlongs. Stage Left owns speed, sharp form and fast numbers; worth long look. Durante almost always fires big efforts; big-time threat.
NINTH: Clever Forever moves to sod after logging swift late-pace figures in both starts; rates close call. Slapintheface owns fastest turf figures; dangerous. Fake Celebrity was second to a five-length winner in debut; big-time player. Kid Kreesa's speed gives him a puncher's chance at a fat ticket; don't ignore.
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