Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Oct. 17
Best bet: DUNEDIN (5)
Best value: BOLT D'PLATA (6)
FIRST: Just So Pretty could secure unchallenged lead with aggressive handling. Catalyzed has finished second in all three starts; runner-up again? So Ready is a newcomer from the Todd Pletcher barn; follow the money.
SECOND: Miss Lao owns positional speed and cozy, outside post. Geopolitics went to the sidelines for eight weeks after 10-length maiden score; less than 100%? Malu secures the stalker's seat; don't ignore.
THIRD: Flat Out Flying ships in from Parx with competitive numbers; call based on price. Runnin' Ray regressed in the slop last time; rebound threat. Suerte is fleet-footed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard; very interesting.
FOURTH: Teller to Win was nearly 14 lengths clear of fourth runner when third in debut at Parx; ready for prime time. Twilight Tango made menacing middle move when third in first start; very playable. Cha Cha Wren logged five tight works for first start in eight weeks; worth long look.
FIFTH: Dunedin made sustained run to win last at Kentucky Downs; takes another. Fore Harp drops and could play out as the dominant speed. Straight Arrow is training swiftly and packs potent kick on best efforts.
SIXTH: Bolt d'Plata logged career-best number on Big A loam this past winter; breakthrough predicted. Torpedo Run has burned the chalk players four times in a row; you've been warned. Confabulation was a clear-cut second in last; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Dancing Dean should find today's 11-furlong trip right in her wheelhouse. Victoria's Dancer, another that could appreciate marathon distance, was pace-compromised last time; big-time player. Elle Est Forte is riding a forward line on the numbers; must consider.
EIGHTH: Take the Gold drops and moves to turf; wake-up potential. My Life Story was an improved fourth in last. Cousin Ed returns to maiden-claiming ranks; worth long look. Starsinthecity worked twice since sharp third in last; must be factored into the mix.
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