Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Oct. 6
Best bet: MR. BRIGGS (5)
Best value: KINGDOM ON PAWS (7)
FIRST: North Pole makes quick return (six days) and drops to lifetime low; weakness of field helps. River of No Return was a much-improved third in last; dangerous. Lucky Macho Man could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Highway Harmony has drilled five times since front-running second in debut; tighter today. Kara Para ran late in debut and could be in the garden if top pick wilts at crunch time. Bode's Girl is another that would be aided by fast fractions.
THIRD: Mommasgottarun was freshened after fast-figured win on Aug. 17; takes another. Sister Supream could play out as the main speed; worth long look. Cupids Girl could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat; must consider.
FOURTH: Sals Dream Girl overcame soft flow when a hard-charging maiden winner in last; pairs up. In My Wake drops and fired half-mile bullet for first start since July; very interesting. Masabeeh makes third start of form cycle; don't overlook.
FIFTH: Mr. Briggs has been sidelined since January but is training with a purpose for return and attracts Philly-based jock. Majestic Tiger logged both wins on Big A loam; worth long look. Grecian Pharoah never got going against better field in slop last time; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Sandrone projects as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Fast N Fearious, a last-race winner, also is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Uncle George could be in the catbird seat if front-end duel comes to pass.
SEVENTH: Kingdom On Paws gets class relief and turns back to more manageable distance. Marinara Sauced, a sharp second in last, hails from Chad Brown barn; logical contender. Street Tsar owns sprinter's speed and starts from the hedge; very interesting.
EIGHTH: Patty H is speedy and training sharply for first start since January; ready to roll. Bank On Anna owns four wins from eight starts and could secure the pocket; very playable. Mosienko is riding a three-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: Ableton is fresh, working consistently and looms the controlling front-runner with proper handling. Mr. Connecticut will be the late runner that will benefit the most if top selection hits the wall. Toga Dancer is another closer that would be aided by fast fractions. The Sleepychipmunk appears to be a nibbler (third in last two starts); play accordingly.
