Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Saturday, Oct. 29
Best Bet: WAR FIGHTER (2); Best Value: FACTOR IT IN (9)
FIRST: Can't Fool Me tallied fast late-pace figure when a tough-trip fourth in last; more to give. Succulent was dq'd from apparent victory two starts back; dangerous. Photon has finished second in three of four starts; must consider.
SECOND: War Fighter is training sharply for first start since last fall; ready. Cleat is quick from gate and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Captain Quick regressed in last after game placing in previous start; rebound threat.
THIRD: Perceived is rested and packs potent kick on best efforts. Triple Elvis owns speed and fired 5-furlong bullet last week; dangerous. Shipsational owns fast back numbers; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Freedom Trail was a hard-charging winner in debut; takes another. Dandy Handyman has trained strongly since winning first start on Colonial Downs turf; price will be tempting. El de Chimi owns positional speed in field that's loaded with closers; very interesting.
FIFTH: Shackqueenking is riding a three-race winning streak and ships in for dangerous connections. Baby Yoda took his game to a new level when a 10-length winner last time; bounces today? Empty Tomb could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
SIXTH: Mrs. Green jumps to next allowance condition after determined win in last; keeps on giving. Secret Time packs potent kick on "A" efforts; big-time player. Stop War could play out as the controlling speed; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Timeless Journey is training with a purpose for first start since April; ready to roll. Customer List is fresh and working consistently for Chad Brown; classic pattern. Parnac took backward step in last after fast-figured efforts in previous two starts; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Glass Ceiling delivered career-best effort after similar layoff; swift work tab seals the deal. Boston Post Road fires strong efforts with machine-like consistency; likely underlay. Oxana owns speed and competitive numbers; don't overlook.
NINTH: Factor It In ships in from Maryland after impressive score last out; half-mile bullet in the interim is the clincher. Jaxon Traveler is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Runninsonofagun notched two of three wins on Big A loam; very interesting.
TENTH: Royal Spirit was compromised by soft fractions last time; better flow today. Fatima's Blessing could impact at fat ticket if pace meltdown ensues. Relate is a short-priced, front-running threat; better value elsewhere. St. Joe Louis is another logical contender that will offer no edge at the windows; you make the call.
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