Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Oct. 3
Best bet: HOULTON (6)
Best value: THUNDER PRINCESS (8)
FIRST: C Suite Boy fired three bullet works since second to a repeat winner at Beltera Park last out; ready for prime time. Shakin the Belle looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Liberte de Bayeux drops and moves to dirt; wake-up potential.
SECOND: Anthracite gets class relief and owns a win at mile distance. Arrebato is fleet-footed and also drops; worth long look. Mr. Swagger owns fast back numbers; don't ignore.
THIRD: Winter's Ghost makes third start of form cycle; forward move predicted. Barese takes two-level price plunge; mixed message. Ski Country could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
FOURTH: Reteko could play out as the main speed in grass debut. Max N Fifo fired half-mile bullet since useful fourth in debut; very playable. Mythical Man never delivered on heavy tote support in debut; recoups losses with switch to sod?
FIFTH: Sassy Allie defeated male runners when breaking maiden last out; takes another. Linarite packs potent kick but rarely gets there; must take the good with the bad. Quick Power Nap regressed last time after game placing in prior; rebound threat.
SIXTH: Houlton should pack intensified wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Dark Devil owns three seconds and a third from four starts; another minor award? Wajda drops and makes peak start of form cycle; must consider.
SEVENTH: Donegal Momentum overcame soft flow to win last; more to give. Royal Majesty logged four tight works for first start since seven-week freshener; big-time player. Yo Daddy consistently delivers strong efforts; worth long look.
EIGHTH: Thunder Princess is rested and should possess enhanced kick at 6 furlongs. Pretty Liza fired half-mile bullet since tough-trip third in debut; very dangerous. Candy Quest (fast works) and So Darn Pretty (solid first-out stable) are newcomers that must be factored into the mix.
