Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Oct. 7
Best bet: SHINSUN (7)
Best value: DURESS (6)
FIRST: Quick to Accuse made middle move at the quarter pole when an even fourth in debut; more to come. Chulligan picked up the pieces late when second in same race as top selections; dangerous. Atlanta's Acuna took heavy tote support when a non-stressful fourth in first start; must consider.
SECOND: Martinez wheels back in a hurry and returns to maiden-claiming ranks; weak field helps. Sharp Sensation drops back in with NY breds after fast-figured fourth at Monmouth last out. Sinful Dancer is speedy and will be favorably positioned near the front; don't ignore.
THIRD: Daufuskie Island is training consistently for first start in 10 weeks; primed for big effort. Risk Profile makes peak start of form cycle and drops into claimer; worth long look. Doctor Love also gets class relief and is competitive on best efforts.
FOURTH: Gooch Go Bragh bested a next-out winner when a game second last time and fired crisp half-mile work in the interim. Lord Flintshire is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Fast Gordon packs potent late kick on best efforts.
FIFTH: He'sgottashortfuse was a strong second at the mile distance at Monmouth last time; transfers form to Big A loam. Central Pride makes first start in maiden-claiming ranks; dangerous. Sir John also drops into maiden claimer for first dirt outing; wake-up threat.
SIXTH: Duress is 2-for-2 on Big A grass and logged three tight works since last start. Principled Stand is speedy but takes suspicious price plunge for Chad Brown; mixed message. Not Phar Now, another that's quick from gate, could prove very tough as the speed of the speed.
SEVENTH: Shinsun is training strongly for return to proper allowance condition; needs to escape AE list. Hard Rye Guy needed last and owns fast back numbers; very playable. Digital Software owns two wins, two seconds and two thirds from seven starts; likely underlay. Voliero owns a win on Aqueduct grass; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Fire Sword projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Bourbon Calling could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Baby Yoda bounced in last after fast-figured win two back; rebound potential.
NINTH: Union Dolly is riding a forward line on late-pace and final figures. Romanosa should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Aunt Virginia owns a win and two seconds from three starts; logical contender. Classic Lynne drops and gets favorable distance switch; right in the thick of this.
