Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Oct. 20
Best bet: OUR SON JAKE (1)
Best value: BABA (7)
FIRST: Our Son Jake is speedy, rested and working sharply; good spot. Ocean's Reserve has finished second in last four starts; continues trend? Refuah is another that appears to prefer minor awards; demand square price.
SECOND: Kerik logged fast late-pace figure when winning last; takes another. Grudge owns speed and drops; price will be tempting. That Is Key is right in the thick of this on best efforts.
THIRD: Community Adjusted packs potent late kick on "A" game; tight work tab seals the deal. Lady Day gets Lasix in stateside debut for Chad Brown; have to respect. Miss Dracarys owns a win and a third in two starts on Big A grass; must consider.
FOURTH: Straight Time drops into maiden claimer after hard-charging second at Monmouth last time; good fit with locals. Upper Level is fleet-footed and will prove very tough on a soft lead. Proven Hope drops to lifetime low after being gelded since claimed; very interesting.
FIFTH: Closing Deals could be ideally placed in the stalker's seat. Trade Secret bounced last time after fast-figured win in prior; rebound threat. True Empress logged both wins on Aqueduct loam; worth long look.
SIXTH: She's a Mia wheels back in a hurry after clear-cut score on Oct. 8; pairs up. Palace Gossip could capitalize on soft lead in bulky field; very dangerous. Masterof the Tunes could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SEVENTH: Baba compiled tight work slate for first start in 60 days; ready to deliver big effort. Snicket cuts back to distance of all three wins; dangerous. To a T was second to a repeat winner last time; very playable.
EIGHTH: He's Got It fired two best efforts on Big A sod; history repeats. Eddie the Great will be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Fenway is speedy and drops; intriguing.
NINTH: Pegs A. K. Girl is riding a forward line on late-pace and final figures; more to come. Run Up the Score fired half-mile bullet for move to grass; big-time player. Anador owns fast back numbers; don't ignore. Stella Mars packs potent wallop on best efforts; price will be tempting.
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