Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Nov. 1
Best bet: SETTLING STORM (4)
Best value: RAMBLIN' WRECK (7)
FIRST: Magnificent Mile tallied sharp final fraction when winning last; takes another. Forward Move, another last-race winner, fired crisp half-mile work in the interim. Camm' Duke owns speed and needed last; don't ignore.
SECOND: Disco Deano was done in by swift fractions at Presque Isle Downs last out; softer flow predicted. Super Chief could be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the lane. Air Show is another that would be aided by pace meltdown.
THIRD: First Class Cat drilled three times since game placing in last; more to come. Darn That Song could prove very tough to collar on a soft lead. Amy's Light would be aided by fast fractions; price will be tempting.
FOURTH: Settling Storm closed into swift final fraction when third in last; added 16th should play to strength. Pallotta Sisters is fresh and drops; dangerous. Spooky Lady is speedy and starts from the hedge; worth long look.
FIFTH: Panache tallied fast late-pace figure when a tough-trip second in last; gets there today. So Darn Pretty set fast fractions and weakened in debut; tighter today. Bossy Pants worked four times since last start; very interesting.
SIXTH: Poppy's Pride gets class relief after speed-and-fade fifth in last; forward move predicted. Fiery Heart drops and packs solid late kick on best; could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Talkin Pharoah is speedy and rested; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Ramblin' Wreck consistently logs fast late-pace figures; set for best in third start of form cycle. Dancing Rinca exits sprints and should be forwardly positioned in bulky field. Barrage was a useful fifth in last; must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: Colonel Bob moves to grass after being overmatched in Champagne stakes last time; from a dam that has produced two turf winners. Ghostly Rose could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Shoot the Nickel was a determined maiden winner in last; don't dismiss.
NINTH: Prairie Dunes should pack enhanced late wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Bolt d'Plata also gets favorable turnback to sprint; right in the thick of this. Nilruc drops and moves to dirt; wake-up potential. El Alacran could play out as the controlling speed; must consider.
