Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Saturday, Oct. 8
Best Bet: SARATOGA CHROME (10); Best Value: FUNNY JOKE (2)
FIRST: Love Tank could capitalize on soft lead in bulky opener. Lexi's Spirit could be the prime beneficiary if top selections wilts in the stretch. Ein Gedi debuts for Chad Brown; any questions?
SECOND: Funny Joke was a fast-figured winner on this surface and distance last winter; history repeats. Never Early is 2-for-2on Big A loam; worth long look. Moving Pictures could be ideally placed in the stalker's seat.
THIRD: Double Shot packs field's most potent late wallop; rates close call. In Sky We Trust owns fast numbers but takes suspicious price drop in first start since claimed; mixed message. Tapizearance owns fast back numbers; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Joey the Fish owns late-running style that could be well suited by switch to sod. Smokie Eyes has burned the chalk players when second in both starts; you've been warned. Mim owns speed and moves to grass for Linda Rice; very interesting.
FIFTH: Elite Power is riding a three-race winning streak; takes another. Southern District is fresh, training with a purpose and owns fast back numbers; classic Chad Brown. Drafted is competitive on best races; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: Redifined logged four tight works since last start; forward move predicted. Danse Macabre, a last-race winner at Kentucky Downs, bested top selection by nearly a length at the Spa on Aug. 21; obviously must be respected. Sweet Harmony is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
SEVENTH: Ryan's Cat its working sharply for return from seven-week freshener; delivers big effort. Life Changer has trained swiftly since clear-cut score at the Spa on Aug. 27; very playable. Catchyasoon could prove very hard to catch if allowed slow splits; must consider.
EIGHTH: Soldier Rising was pace and trip compromised last out; call based on price. War Like Goddess was poorly ridden when second at 20 cents on the dollar in same race as top selection; unplayable price once again. Rockemperor regressed last time after determined win in previous start; bounce-back threat.
NINTH: Win for Gold ould be ideally positioned in competitive group. Cash In a Flash is fleet-footed and has top-notch front-end rider aloft; worth long look. Hang Tight could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
TENTH: Saratoga Chrome has trained consistently since making sustained rally to break maiden on Aug. 11; pairs up. She's a Mia owns four seconds from seven starts; runner-up again? Russiarussiarussia hails from Chad Brown barn; hard to ignore.
ELEVENTH: Oak Loves a Fight is 0-for-10 but starts from rail in weak field; now or never. Jocosity makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; very dangerous. Dats a Superstar is fresh and owns competitive numbers; don't overlook. Mouly was an even fourth after wide trip last out; very interesting.
