Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, Nov. 2
Best bet: STEADFAST RESOLVE (9)
Best value: ANNIE GOODBODY (8)
FIRST: Braca owns speed and returns to dirt; forward move predicted. Concorde Spirit, another that goes turf to dirt, takes potent class drop and logged sharp works since last start; very playable. Big Ego should be aided by turnback to sprint.
SECOND: It's Hammertime arrives from Delaware with a 3-for-3 slate; nails down another. Vekoma Rides regressed in last after fast-figured win in debut; dangerous. Tony Eclipse was less than two lengths behind top pick when second in last; don't ignore.
THIRD: Clancy Fancy is fleet-footed and fresh; sharp work tab seals the deal. Executive Move was second in last two; another placing? Stormy's Dreaming, an uncoupled barn mate of second selection, makes first start since gelded.
FOURTH: Big Everest is 5-for-6 on Big A sod and projects as the main speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Running Bee looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. St Anthony is another that would be aided by pace meltdown.
FIFTH: Valenzan Day was rested after winning three straight this past summer; picks up where he left off. Cumberland Blues took backward step in last after clear-cut win in prior; rebound threat. Daddy Knows needed last and should be favorably positioned near the front; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Killybegs Kid compiled six tight works for first start in 10 weeks; main speed on the fence. Revivalism drops and was gelded since last start; worth long look. Ebony Tale owns win-early breeding; could be ready at first asking.
SEVENTH: Skytown was beaten by repeat winners when second in both starts; his turn today. National Identity logged strong third in debut; dangerous. Man of Mischief started career with two fast-figured placings; must be considered.
EIGHTH: Annie Goodbody was compromised by wide trip in last; amplified kick predicted with cutback to sprint. Annascaul, another that turns back in distance, looms a serious threat in the stretch. Laurice adds blinkers and could play out as the controlling speed.
NINTH: Steadfast Resolve tallied swift final fraction when a last-to-first maiden winner in most recent; pairs up. Korrongo owns sprinter's speed and could prove tough on a soft lead. Brigade Commander lost a head bob for all the money in most recent grass start; right in the thick of this.
10TH: Impulse Buy was "geared down late" when breaking maiden by 11 lengths last out; two sharp works in the interim seal the deal. The Queens M G was rested after hitting the wall in the Spinaway at the Spa; more than good enough on "A" game. Wild Mama logged four tight works since maiden score on Sept. 15; worth long look.
11TH: Bryant and Cooper, a useful fourth in debut, fits the signature Chad Brown second-out profile. Rye On the Rocks is from a dam that has produced five grass winners; very interesting. Five G could improve with switch to sod. Loveumissumeanit, is an uncoupled newcomer from Brown barn; follow the money.
