Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Sunday, Oct. 16

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comOctober 13, 2022

Best Bet: SIX PERCENT (6); Best Value: MRS. CASH MAN (2)

FIRST: Take Me to Jimmy was a game second in debut; most likely winner but unplayable price. C'Est Magnifique is an uncoupled barn mate of top selection; what a game. Dude N Colorado is training swiftly for debut; must consider.

SECOND: Mrs. Cash Man drops, is training consistently and switches surfaces; forward move predicted. Maria From Miami also gets class relief and moves to dirt; worth long look. Extessa is fresh and working with a purpose; price will be tempting.

THIRD: Pianzi logged fast final fraction versus better at Monmouth last time; nice fit this level. Gandy Dancing bounced last time after fast-figured win in previous start; rebound threat. Winning Drive makes first start since reclaimed by Rob Atras stable; very interesting.

FOURTH: Fluid Situation projects as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Montatham could be in the garden if top selection wilts late. After Five is another that would be aided by pace meltdown.

FIFTH: Thethrillofvictory logged fast late-pace figure in last; needs to escape AE list. Sounds Spooky owns turf breeding on both sides of pedigree. Bobby the Tank was an improved third in most recent; be no surprise.

SIXTH: Six Percent notched swift final fraction when a clear-cut second in last; more to give. Wild Banker has the rail and is a four-time winner on Big A loam; very interesting. Troubleshooter is a last-race winner that could fall through the cracks in the wagering; don't ignore.

SEVENTH: Hang Tight owns field's fastest late-pace figures. Joey Loose Lips owns speed, adds blinkers and drops; intriguing. Mister Candy Ride is working consistently for first start since February; don't dismiss.

EIGHTH: Can't Buy Love was a tough-trip third in last at Pimlico; 1-for-1 on Big A grass. Spun Glass has won three of last four starts; big-time player. Kept Waiting is a front-end threat on best efforts.

NINTH: Scramble logged sizzling final fraction when third in debut; more to give. Summer Bee owns speed and will be favorably positioned near the front in bulky field. Royal Velvet was hammered down to 6/5 when fourth in debut; must consider. Decanted has delivered strong efforts in both starts; must be factored into the mix.