Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Saturday, Oct. 15
Best Bet: DUST DEVIL (8); Best Value: BLAME IT ON MARY (7)
FIRST: Thirty Thou Kelvin has worked three times since speed and fade last time; duly tightened. R Rose' All Day is bred to handle switch to sod; worth long look. Treasured Gem should move forward with return to grass.
SECOND: Regal Rebel is speedy, rested and training sharply; ready. Tekila was a clear-cut second in last; dangerous. Carlann could benefit the most if pace meltdown ensues.
THIRD: Dangerous Edge should pack enhanced kick at 7 furlongs. G Munning outworked 104 rivals in half-mile drill last week; speedy and dangerous. Forty Two Aces, another that fired bullet last week, is more than good enough on best.
FOURTH: Mozay consistently logs field's fastest final fractions. Diamond Status is fleet-footed and can prove very tough on a soft lead. Kinchen owns two seconds from three starts; logical.
FIFTH: Shardial projects as the speed of the speed with aggressive ride. Street Culture also is quick from the gate and could prove very tough if able to shake clear from top pick. Holey Matrimony owns fast figures but has been sidelined for more than three years; mixed message.
SIXTH: Evan Harlan was given three months off after finishing second in last three starts; breaks through today. Aruba was speed prepped in first start since January last time; very interesting. Funding Gap turns back to more manageable distance; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Blame It On Mary was a visually impressive winner in last; pairs up. Derrynane packs potent kick on "A" efforts; worth long look. Jill's a Hot Mess makes peak start of form cycle; must consider.
EIGHTH: Dust Devil climbs the ladder after determined win in last; takes another. Lost in Rome gets aggressive price hike after game placing in last; odds will be tempting. Pioneer Spirit consistently logs fast numbers; must consider.
NINTH: Canisy should pack intensified wallop with cutback to shorter route. Lady Baffled makes first turf start for Graham Motion; intriguing. Eminent Victor is firing bullets for first start in eight weeks for Chad Brown; quintessential pattern.
TENTH: Stuck On Kitten packs potent late kick and could fall through the cracks in the wagering. She's The One is 2-for-2 on Big A grass; likely underlay. Get The Candy can get the money if allowed soft splits. Glitter Up is another that's speedy and dangerous. Madrilena must be factored into the mix if able to escape AE list.
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