Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Oct. 21
Best bet: BERNARDINO (1);
Best value: OH SHEA CAN U SEE (4)
FIRST: Bernardino has drilled four times for return from seven-week freshener; ready. Mr. Connecticut packs potent kick on best efforts. Dreampoint is 0-for-20 but is right in the thick of this with "A" race.
SECOND: Bourbon Bay is working swiftly for first start since April; big effort on tap. Crypto Cash consistently delivers big efforts; dangerous. Pioneer Spirit drops and owns fast back numbers; worth long look.
THIRD: Millean projects as the main speed with proper handling. Emperor's Cause was a clear-cut second in last; dangerous. Endowed has three seconds from six starts; comes up short again?
FOURTH: Oh Shea Can U See gets class relief and owns field's fastest late-pace figures. Runabout gets price boost after determined win in last; big-time player. Its All Relevant could prove very tough on a soft lead; short price is the knock.
FIFTH: Fire King fired half-mile bullet on Oct. 11; needs to escape AE list. Makar could capitalize on clear lead in bulky field. Disarmed could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
SIXTH: Adam's Angel returns to dirt after displaying improved speed in last; forward move predicted. Liquidity Provider owns a second and a third in two starts for Chad Brown; likely underlay. Ultima Copa is training sharply for first start since February; be no surprise.
SEVENTH: Amundson is a two-time winner this surface and distance; more to come. Poppy's Pride is speedy and rested; very interesting. Night Ops packs powerful late wallop on best efforts; must consider.
EIGHTH: Hilliard fired 5-furlong bullet since tough trip in last; rail draw seals the deal. Orchestration failed to get the job done when second as the favorite last time; disappoints again? Saranac displayed improved speed in last start; price will be tempting.
NINTH: Spicy Ginger flashed newfound early foot when prepped in first start since three-month layoff last time, Duly tightened Divine Wine was a non-stressful fourth in last; improvement expected. Lady Firefoot owns speed and adds blinkers; worth long look. Mostly Harmless was a fast-figured fourth on grass two back; right in the thick of this.
