Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, Oct. 27
Best bet: VENTI VALENTINE (5)
Best value: HUSH OF A STORM (9)
FIRST: Vekinda, from a dam that has produced two turf winners, projects as the main speed in first grass start. Mo Kreesa also has solid turf pedigree on dam's side and could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Dio Romano compiled sharp work tab for debut; follow the money.
SECOND: Charles J was a tough-trip fourth in last; three tight works for return seal the deal. Daybright Delights owns speed and could prove tough on a soft lead. New York Scrappy fired half-mile bullet since close-up fourth in last; worth long look.
THIRD: Scheduling Dude visually impressed when an 11-length maiden winner last out; more to come. Sacrosanct logged much-the-best wins in both starts; obvious, short-priced danger. Mo Plex returns to NY-bred ranks after even third in Champagne stakes; must consider.
FOURTH: With the Angels tallied dominant scores in both starts; sky's the limit. Another Cleeshay took backward step in last after breaking maiden by nearly nine lengths in debut; very interesting. Valtellina was a clear-cut second to top selection in last; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Venti Valentine notched swift late-pace figure when second in last; more to give. Smokin' Hot Kitty was a front-end winner in last and could play out as the main speed once again. Sterling Silver logs fast figures with machinelike consistency; be no surprise.
SIXTH: Athena Beach withstood fast pace en route to determined score last out; takes another. Leelo drilled four times since last start; worth long look. Captainsdaughter could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SEVENTH: Silver Satin logged two, swift half-mile works since third in last; forward move predicted. Looms Boldly is fresh and owns speed and fast figures; big-time threat. Sheriff Bianco would be aided by fast fractions; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Whatlovelookslike makes third start of form cycle after being compromised by tough trips in last two; rates close call. Moonage Daydream got better of top selection when winning last two outings; very dangerous. Stonewall Star owns speed and could get early jump in field that's light on front-runners.
NINTH: Hush of a Storm overcame plodding pace to win last; pairs up. Spirit of St Louis is 4-for-4 on Big A sod; hard to ignore. City Man is more than good enough on "A" efforts.
10TH: Drake's Passage is fresh and gets class relief; rail draw is the clincher. Bank Frenzy is 1-for-1 at the distance; very interesting. Olympic Dreams should be favorably positioned near the front; right in the thick of this. Cicciobello also owns speed and should offer generous ticket; don't ignore.
