Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Oct. 10

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comOctober 6, 2024

Best bet: KERRY (2)

Best value: KYLA'S KAUSE (8)

FIRST: Potts entry: Quick Hammer is speedy and training swiftly and mate Magnificent Mile owns stalker's style; potent pairing. Thank You Jon was an improved third in last; consider. Devil's Cay owns fast back numbers; must respect.

SECOND: Kerry is fresh and logged most recent win this course and distance this past summer. Marco T. could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Im Just Kiddin is another that looms a late-running threat on best.

THIRD: Call Her Bluff logged three of her four wins on Big A loam. Echo in Eternity tallied improved internal numbers in last; very dangerous. Brown Suga Babe is riding a two-race winning streak; logical, short-priced player.

FOURTH: Street Ready fired two 5-furlong bullets for first start in seven weeks; ready. Bodecream makes third start of form cycle; worth long look. Ever Dangerous gets class relief; don't ignore.

FIFTH: Condiment Girl displayed improved speed in last; forward move predicted. R Funny Bizness was a hard-charging second in last; big-time threat. My First Love was compromised by wide trip in last; don't ignore.

SIXTH: Chalky Cat failed as the chalk in last; turnback in distance is key. Royal King could play out as the speed of the speed; very interesting. J D Factor owns fast back numbers and returns to claiming ranks.

SEVENTH: Aspen Dawn exits Colonial Downs stakes last out; nice fit with the locals at this level. Venencia could impact if pace gets fast and furious. Striker Has Dial could prove very tough to catch on a soft lead.

EIGHTH: Kyla's Kause displayed speed in debut and logged three tight works for return. Tahila was second as the favorite in same last race as top pick; be no surprise. Dreamworkin was a useful fifth in debut; could improve with move to sod. Wild Mischief (game second in last) and Forever to Go (fleet-footed and adds blinkers) are two that must be factored into the mix if able to escape AE list.