Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, Oct. 12
Best bet: PROVE (5)
Best value: KAVANAUGH (3)
FIRST: Princess Summer worked five times since tallying fast late-pace figure on Aug. 7; ready. Just One More could play out as the main speed. Kissed by Karma was compromised by wide trip in same last race as top pick; don't ignore.
SECOND: Gem Mint Ten is fresh and could get early jump with aggressive handling. Right to Win will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Middle Market makes quick return and will offer generous price; worth long look.
THIRD: Kavanaugh gets confident price boost after clear-cut placing in last; more to come. Porosity drops and makes first start since gelded; worth long look. Sergeant Capps was second in last two starts; must consider.
FOURTH: Cairo Caper should pack intensified kick with cutback to sprint. Out On Bail owns speed and fast numbers; dangerous. Spiced Up bounced last time after winning prior two; don't dismiss.
FIFTH: Prove logged front-end score in first turf outing; takes another. Cognoscenti tallied only win on Big A sod; very interesting. Landman Friday packs solid late kick on best efforts; don't overlook.
SIXTH: Auroralinna gets confident price hike after strong second in last; more in the tank. Chocolatechocolate makes first start for Linda Rice after determined maiden win in last; dangerous. Helen's Revenge, an uncoupled barn mate of second selection, logged crisp 5-furlong drill on Oct. 3; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Wajda is speedy and rested; solid work tab seals the deal. Smilensaycheese, also from Linda Rice barn, looms the prime beneficiary if top selection wilts in the lane. Dark Vector owns fast numbers and makes first start since claimed by Oscar Barrera III; his grandfather was the master off the claim.
EIGHTH: Stonewall Star is training with a purpose for first start in nearly 10 months; five-time winner at the Big A. Nic's Style, on the bench for more than seven months, is 7-for-8 lifetime; big-time player. All Class regressed last time after pairing up fast-figured efforts; rebound threat.
NINTH: Funny Uncle drops and returns to main track; forward move predicted. Collect From Ike is rested and tallied bot career wins at Aqueduct; worth long look. Flat On hails from the white-hot Rudy Rodriguez barn; very playable. Knox was a solid second in last; must respect.
