Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Sunday, Oct. 2
Best Bet: SPIKED (6); Best Value: SHINSUN (10)
FIRST: Spelterini took backward step in last after sharp placing in debut; rebounds. Risk Free is another that bounced after finishing second in first start; price will be tempting. Fireline noticeably picked up tempo of workouts as race day drew near; could be a runner.
SECOND: Scramble logged solid final fraction when third in debut; more to give. Certified Loverboy owns sprinter's speed and starts from the hedge; very interesting. Ari Gold was less than a length behind top pick when favored in first start; must consider.
THIRD: Kinenos has drilled four times since claimed by Mike Maker on Aug. 21; 1-for-1 on Big A turf. Ocean Atlantique, also from Maker barn, is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Nathan Detroit owns competitive numbers on best efforts; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Blu Grotto is working strongly for first start since April; call based on price potential. Eminency made middle move at the quarter pole when an even third in last; dangerous. Southern Passage could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown comes to pass.
FIFTH: Secret Thunder adds blinkers after tough trip in debut; improvement expected. Mr Bob was claimed when third in same race as top selection; very playable. Second and Reed compiled sharp work tab for debut; worth long look.
SIXTH: Spiked compiled eye-catching work tab for first start since second to an ultra-talented rival on July 29; ready to roll. Missy Greer is fleet-footed and should be aided by return to dirt. Frost Me notched two of her three wins at the Big A; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Capital Structure lost all chance when saddle slipped in Pimlico stakes last time; deserves another chance. Gladys was an even fourth in same race as top selection; price will be tempting. Rocky Sky has finished second in three of last four starts; another minor award?
EIGHTH: You're My Girl was a visually-impressive, 14-length winner in debut; more to come. The Great Maybe, an eight-length victor in first start, has trained strongly at Keeneland base; very dangerous. Chocolate Gelato, another that wowed them breaking maiden at the Spa, has worked swifty in the interim; contentious Frizette Stakes.
NINTH: I'm Very Busy tallied swift late-pace figure when an eye-catching winner in debut; pairs up. Battle of Normandy has delivered strong efforts in both starts; big-time player. Lachaise lived up to heavy tote support when a determined winner at first asking; right in the thick of this.
TENTH: Shinsun has displayed strong closing kick in all three starts and is working with a purpose for first start since seven-week freshener; ready to roll. Patient Capital, claimed from last start by Mike Maker, moves to grass and owns fast final fractions; dangerous. Frenchboro is firing bullets for first start since last fall; very interesting. Jake Rocks owns speed and is 1-for-1 on Aqueduct grass; don't overlook.
