Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Oct. 26
Best bet: MAGGIE (4)
Best value: ADDRESSABLE MARKET (3)
FIRST: Cerretta, a useful fifth in last, should move forward in second start since July. Strictly Taboo is rested and working with a purpose; dangerous. Shaman Princess could prove very tough on a soft lead.
SECOND: Daydreaming Boy fired half-mile bullet since overmatched in Pa. Derby last time; improvement expected. Systemic Change went to the sideline after clear-cut score in June; tight work tab for return is signature Chad Brown. Bold Endeavor owns fast figures on best efforts; right in the thick of this.
THIRD: Addressable Market gets class and distance relief and makes third start of form cycle; breakthrough predicted. It Wasn't Me makes first start since claimed by Greg DiPrima; big-time player. Katie's Checkride is fresh and drops to lifetime low.
FOURTH: Maggie, a tough-trip winner in last. gets confident price boost in first start since claimed. Luna Loca was done in by slow start in last; don't ignore. Jolly Miss Jill is speedy and should be aided by cutback in distance.
FIFTH: Bella Principessa compiled strong work slate for first start since May; ready. Linarite looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Weekend Rags will be favorably positioned near the front; must consider.
SIXTH: Houlton logged improved late-pace figure in last; handles switch to sod. Live to Ride is from a dam that has produced four turf winners; worth long look. Spirit Prince owns a second and two thirds from three starts; must be factored into the mix if able to escape AE list.
SEVENTH: Icy Reply gets additional furlong after late-running second in last; price will be on your side. Boss Lady Kim was a dominant, front-end winner in last; very playable. Mursal should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 7 furlongs.
EIGHTH: Gem Mint Ten is rested and could be ideally placed in the stalker's seat. One Headlight will be in the garden spot if fractions get hot and hectic. Spiritual King is speedy and riding a three-race winning streak; very dangerous.
NINTH: Montauk Mystique should pack intensified wallop with turnback to sprint. Sugar and Speights drops and gets Lasix for first start in more than two years; must respect. Gotham Gray gets class relief and moves to dirt; worth long look. Strange Fruit regressed in last after sharp placing in prior; rebound threat.
