Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, Oct. 25
Best bet: ISLAND CHARLIE (11)
Best value: CALDO CANDY (2)
FIRST: Gaming Wizard set fast fractions when a 13-length winner in last; takes another. Bravaro made sustained run to win debut; dangerous. Fourth and One was a clear-cut second behind Bravaro in last; don't dismiss.
SECOND: Caldo Candy worked twice since non-stressful third in last; forward move predicted. Locke and Key should pack amplified kick with slight cutback. The Wine Steward logs fast figures on "A" efforts; must consider.
THIRD: Bold Journey should be ideally positioned in field's probable pace dynamic. Waralo could prove very tough on a soft lead. Dancing Buck also is speedy and could play out as the swiftest of the swift.
FOURTH: Angel Gift, a clear-cut winner in debut, was rested after subpar efforts in two subsequent efforts; rebounds. Letmecounttheways visually and numerically impressed when winning debut; guaranteed underlay. Victory Hall is riding a two-race winning streak; don't ignore.
FIFTH: In Fact Sheza Zask is speedy, adds blinkers and gets Kendrick Carmouche; come and catch her. Observer could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Calling an Audible is fresh and returns to maiden-claiming ranks; don't dismiss.
SIXTH: Clear Conscience makes quick return after being compromised by wide move last week. Sounds Like a Plan has won two in a row; big-time danger. Be of Courage should pack intensified wallop with cutback to shorter route.
SEVENTH: Bernietakescharge is rested and projects as the controlling speed. Boxed Win has won two straight and could be in the garden spot if top selection wilts. Kay Cup owns two wins, a second and a third from four starts; logical player.
EIGHTH: Sterling Silver was compromised by wide trip in last; call based on price. My Mane Squeeze is likely to attract the bulk of the cash but has been sidelined since being eased in last; mixed message. Cupid's Heart could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
NINTH: Spinning Colors is fleet-footed and has the benefit of the rail. Moonage Daydream delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency. Awesome Czech is another that repeatedly fires big races; must consider.
10TH: Bank Frenzy, from the white-hot Rudy Rodriguez barn, could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Doc Sullivan has the advantage of the fence and bested top selection on July 31; very playable. Whittington Park, an uncoupled barn mate of Bank Frenzy, could impact if fractions get fast and furious.
11TH: Island Charlie projects as the main speed in first turf start. Oat Coutour looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Before the Wind bested second selection by a neck on Sept. 18; worth long look. New York Scrappy is firing bullets for first start in nearly a year; right in the thick of this.
