Steve Matthews' Belmont at Aqueduct selections for Friday, Oct. 11
Best bet: PRINCIPE CARLO (7)
Best value: IRISH MAXIMA (5)
FIRST: Bewildered is rested and gets potent class drop; breakthrough predicted. Belliqueux could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Millie Jean meets weakest field of her four-race career; dangerous.
SECOND: My Shea D Lady logged four tight works for first start since seven-week freshener. Mz Big Bucks was a clear-cut winner in last; big-time threat. Lisa's Vision packs potent kick on best efforts.
THIRD: Whatchatalkinabout gets Lasix and owns favorable stalker's style. Vettriano owns speed and fast figures; dangerous. Caldo Candy also is fleet-footed and owns swift final numbers; must consider.
FOURTH: Dashing Della is working swiftly for first start in eight weeks; ready. Find Your Joy is fresh and gets class relief; very playable. Accelerina would be aided by fast fractions.
FIFTH: Irish Maxima projects as the speed of the speed in first grass start. Time to Dazzle was a tough-trip fourth in Grade II stakes at Kentucky Downs last time; big-time threat. Nice as Pie could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
SIXTH: Saratoga Snow tallied fast final fraction when a game second in last; more to come. Heavenly Light was compromised by wide trip last time; worth long look. Willful Mama fired 5-furlong bullet since clear-cut placing in last; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Principe Carlo compiled tight work tab for local debut; price drop seals the deal. Fiery Heart runs late and could be overlooked in the wagering. Cees Gets Degrees owns speed and fast numbers; must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: Pioneering Spirit was pace- and position-compromised last time; class drop is the clincher. Mondego could play out as the controlling speed. Really Good is 1-for-1 on Big A sod; very interesting.
NINTH: Dazzling Cruiser has trained with a purpose for first start with maiden-claiming tag; set for best. Its Satisfactual was a clear-cut second on Colonial Downs turf last time; big-time threat. Street View has the benefit of the rail on tight-turned course. Positive Carry, an uncoupled barn mate of third selection, owns four seconds and two thirds from eight starts; another minor award?
