Steve Matthews’ Belmont selections for Thursday, Oct. 5
Best net: TOOHOTTOEVENSPEAK (7)
Best value: MADAME BARBARIAN (3)
FIRST: Matty’s Magnum made incremental move on the numbers in second start last time; more to come. Kickin Kimberly moves to grass after working three times since last start; wake-up potential. Latrevo owns speed, drops and looms the controlling front-runner.
SECOND: Frost Proof tallied improved late-pace figure in last and should be aided by today’s added 16th. Dooley cuts back to sprint and should pack amplified wallop; very playable. Hopper Dropper is competitive on best efforts; don’t ignore.
THIRD: Madame Barbarian logged hard-charging victory the first time she touched Belmont loam; pairs up. Hold On Momma was a solid second in last; dangerous. Milaya is fresh and drops to lifetime low; more than good enough on “A” game.
FOURTH: Shesmyheartandsoul was a determined winner in last at Monmouth and owns faster back figures; more to give. Clairvoyant Lady makes peak start of form cycle; very dangerous. Sand Shark also makes third outing since layoff and first start since claimed by David Jacobson; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Amazing Anne exits tenacious score in last and has shown a history of stringing big efforts; call based on price potential. Mecke’s Madalyn could impact at fat ticket if pace meltdown ensues. Belle of the Spa made premature middle move and flattened last time; tighter today.
SIXTH: Miss Hot Stones is training swiftly for top-shelf Maryland-based barn; ready to roll. Missimpazi gets blinkers and Lasix after game placing in debut; big-time threat. She’s Delightful also dons the shades after finishing third when favored in debut; must be considered.
SEVENTH: Toohottoevenspeak is riding a forward line on the numbers and logged both career wins at Belmont Park; primed for breakthrough. Delta Outlaw was a front-running winner in last and should have more in the tank in second start since more than yearlong layoff; very dangerous. Camp Courage makes dirt debut in first start since gelded; improvement expected.
EIGHTH: Take Cover packs potent kick on best efforts and is training with a purpose for first since July for Alan Goldberg; ready off the bench. Chief Lion is rested and looms the speed of the speed with aggressive handling. John Jones also is fleet-footed and is working sharply for first start since New Year’s Eve; don’t dismiss.
NINTH: Wondermeister owns swift late-pace figures and should be set for best in third start since June. Mr. Massena was pace- and trip-compromised when a strong second in last; very dangerous. Kierland was victimized by wide journey last time; must consider. Set Me Up moves to rail after game third from post 11 last out; right in the thick of this.
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