Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Sunday, Oct. 30
Best Bet: SHADOW DRAGON (10); Best Value: RINALDI (5)
FIRST: Ma Mi Jo Dreams owns speed and returns to dirt; forward move predicted in tricky opener. Lavon could impact at fat ticket if pace meltdown ensues. Disruption, second in last, is a logical, short-priced contender.
SECOND: Frank's Art should pack amplified kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Open Til Midnight logged only win on Big A sod; very playable. War Terminator, another with lone win on Aqueduct grass, needed last; worth long look. Eddie the Great is a last-race winner that could be overlooked in the wagering.
THIRD: Perfect Munnings is fresh and owns fast-late pace figures; rates close call. Bankit logs swift numbers on best efforts; big-time player. Wudda U Think Now could play out as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling.
FOURTH: Sea Foam is fleet-footed and could get the early jump with top-notch, front-end rider aloft. Barese could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat; very dangerous. Dr. Blute is 2-for-2 on Big A loam; must be considered.
FIFTH: Rinaldi is training with a purpose for first start since April; wire to wire. Therapist could be in the garden if top pick hits the wall in the stretch. Cold Hard Cash is right in the thick of this on best efforts.
SIXTH: Gone and Forgotten has won eight of last 10 starts at Finger Lakes; ready for prime time. Bank Sting, an eight-time winner from 12 starts, is working sharply for first outing since June; could easily take this. Besty Blue is riding a two-race winning streak; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Les Bon Temps displayed newfound speed in last; added ground plays to strength. Banterra broke maiden by an expanding 10 lengths last time; worth long look. Security Code bounced in last after starting career with two fast-figured efforts; rebound threat.
EIGHTH: Giacosa logs field's fastest final fractions on "A" efforts; tight work tab for return seals the deal. Spungie was a determined winner in first start on Big A sod; very interesting. Runaway Rumor owns fast numbers and makes third start of form cycle; must consider.
NINTH: Sweet Mystery tallied solid late-pace figure when a hard-fought winner in last; pairs up. Ice Princess returns to dirt and owns swift back numbers; very playable. Sharp Starr needed last; rates chance with rail draw.
TENTH: Shadow Dragon visually and numerically impressed when winning debut; more to come. Arctic Arrogance is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Donegal Surges has delivered strong efforts in all three starts; dangerous. Starquist was a good-looking winner in first start; don't ignore.
