Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, Oct. 5
Best bet: CHELSEY'S CHOICE (5)
Best value: BARRAGE (9)
FIRST: Bella Voce is rested and projects as the main speed with aggressive handling. Miss Fashionista logged fast-figured win on Big A loam this past winter. Pam Pam makes first start since claimed by Rudy Rodriguez; must consider.
SECOND: Raging Sea consistently logs fast late-pace figures; takes third straight. Majestic Creed could prove very tough on a soft lead. Batucada is competitive on best efforts.
THIRD: Mosienko gets confident price hike after game placing in last. Khali Magic is speedy and has won four of last five; very dangerous. Willow Bend tallied fast-figure win in first start at Aqueduct; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Lightning Mama drops and gets favorable cutback to 6 furlongs. Just Words could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Bubbe Dearest bested second selection by more than two lengths when second as the favorite last time; dangerous.
FIFTH: Chelsey's Choice logged three tight works for first start since speed and fade in debut; tighter today. Pookie was a useful fourth in debut; big-time player. Good Conduct exits strong second in last; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Lavender Disaster tallied swift final fraction when a determined winner at odds-on in debut; more to give. Virgin Colada, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, has fired big efforts in both starts; be no surprise. Marvelous Madison, the third Chad Brown runner in the race, logged sharp score in debut; the wagering aspect of this game has sunk to its lowest level.
SEVENTH: Rock Star Rebel adds blinkers after clear-cut placing in last; gets there today. Keepinitreal is a fresh and forwardly training runner from the Chad Brown barn; worth long look. Share the Ludt concluded work tab with half-mile bullet; charting a must.
EIGHTH: Yougottahavehope moves to grass after setting hot pace when winning debut by more than five lengths; transfers razor-sharp form. Flirting With Time has worked strongly since front-end maiden score at Kentucky Downs; very playable. Abientot could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
NINTH: Barrage needed last and packs potent late kick on "A" efforts. Samburu owns speed and could capitalize on soft lead. Ramblin' Wreck exits hard-charging placing in last; very playable. Bring Me a Check is another that was a strong second in last; must be considered.
