Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Oct. 31
Best bet: RIVER EMPRESS (9)
Best value: JACKSON'S DIXIE (4)
FIRST: Toga Dan was a useful third in first start since two-month absence; more to come. Solo Empire owns speed and starts from the fence; worth long look. Concorde Spirit could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Secane visually and numerically impressed when winning debut at Gulfstream; pairs up. Shilling was a determined maiden winner in last; very interesting. Day to Day, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, should move forward with return to dirt.
THIRD: Magical Ways logged fast final fraction when a non-stressful fourth in last; improvement predicted. Starship Titan was a front-end winner in last; very dangerous. Spirit Prince notches fast figures on best efforts; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Jackson's Dixie makes quick return and gets favorable cutback to sprint; big effort on tap. Proud Foot (drops) and Problematica (speedy) are uncoupled runners from the Linda Rice barn; both must be considered. Defended ships in from South Florida and logs fast figures on best efforts.
FIFTH: Ruse was overmatched last time after game placing versus softer two back; class drop is key. The Paddock Pastor packs potent late kick on "A" efforts; worth long look. Alexis Zorba owns sprinter's speed and could prove tough on an unchallenged lead.
SIXTH: Snare was a tough-trip fourth in last; improvement predicted. How About It should move forward in second start since five-month layoff; very interesting. Policy Change is fleet-footed and should be aided by cutback to sprint.
SEVENTH: Hey Cookie could play out as the main speed with heads-up handling. Adrian could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Looks First is right in the thick of this on best efforts; price will be tempting.
EIGHTH: Scalable gets class relief and should take forward step in second start since nine-month absence. St. Benedicts Prep is fresh and training strongly; worth long look. Volleyballprincess owns a win and a second in two starts at the Big A; don't ignore.
NINTH: River Empress fired half-mile bullet since tough-trip fourth in last; call in contentious nightcap. Mariposa Moon exits useful sprint debut and has benefit of rail today. Doppio Espresso runs late and could be aided by today's added ground. Salt Princess has finished second in last two starts; must consider. Karey fired 3-furlong bullet since bouncing last out; don't ignore.
