Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, Oct. 13
Best bet: COMMANDPERFORMANCE (7)
Best value: VOW TO RESILIENCY (5)
FIRST: Sharp Smile, a useful fourth on grass in debut, compiled tight work tab for move to dirt. Kiss Me Slow fits the signature Chad Brown pattern; dangerous. Fully Subscribed, an uncoupled barn mate of second pick, is training sharply for debut.
SECOND: Neuschwanstein projects as the speed of the speed with proper handling from outside post. Magia Nera could be in the garden spot if top selection is poorly ridden. Collected Special is fleet-footed and fresh; must consider.
THIRD: Andthewinneris tallied sizzling final fraction when second last time; more to come. Reckoning Force was a tough-trip fourth in last after fast-figured win in prior; dangerous. Redistricting, an uncoupled stable mate of top pick, is training with a purpose for first start in nearly 11 months.
FOURTH: York Tavern is riding a forward line on the numbers. Assertive Attitude could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Teta's Trotter drops and moves to main track; wake-up potential.
FIFTH: Vow to Resiliency was a better-than-it-looks fifth in debut; improvement predicted. Katerina Ristova exits much-improved third in last; very playable. Snipsnippitysnip is another that made forward move in last; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: St. Erling is from a dam that has produced two turf winners; throw deep in weak field. City of Oscars exits clear-cut placing in last; be no surprise. Moment's Notice owns fast dirt numbers; likely underlay.
SEVENTH: Commandperformance gets class relief and fired half-mile bullet since last start; forward move expected. Daddy Knows is a front-running threat on best efforts; price will be tempting. Milton the Monster owns fast back figures but has been horribly off form this year; damaged goods?
EIGHTH: Brocknardini drops and packs potent kick on "A" efforts. Spooky Lady can prove a very tough customer on a soft lead. Snowy Evening has the benefit of the rail on tight-turned course; don't ignore.
NINTH: Lucky and Gorgeous worked three times since displaying improved speed in last; breakthrough predicted. Starlight Dancer exits sharp seconds in last two starts; big-time player. Sainte Chapelle makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; right in the thick of this. The Splendid One is fresh and compiled tight work tab; worth long look at long price.
