Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Oct. 24
Best bet: WYNSTOCK (3)
Best value: TOP OF THE TABLE (8)
FIRST: Amazing Gracer was freshened after improved second in last; more to come. Off Script has been a repeated failure at short odds; burns more cash? Fire Agate took backward step in last after sharp third in prior; rebound threat.
SECOND: Sir Walta projects as the main speed with return to dirt. Wamo fired 5-furlong bullet last week; worth long look. Pantherian debuts after being bought for $750K this past April; follow the money.
THIRD: Wynstock should pack intensified wallop with cutback to mile. Mr. Papagiorgio owns speed and fast numbers. Pentathlon drops and adds blinkers; dangerous.
FOURTH: Shades of Jade should be aided by slight cutback in distance. One Front War is rested and training with a purpose. Shirl's Delight owns five seconds and three thirds from 16 starts; another minor award?
FIFTH: Chambersville tallied solid final fraction when second in last; needs to escape AE list. Copa de Plata was an improved fourth in second start; headed in right direction. Jet Off is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
SIXTH: Crushed It makes third start of form cycle; crisp half-mile drill last week seals the deal. Frizzante could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Golden Plate, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, is a last-race winner that could get overlooked in the wagering.
SEVENTH: Down the Line was a clear-cut second in last; more to give. Freedom Maker was gelded for first start since claimed; very interesting. Fiscal Drag is speedy but takes suspicious drop; mixed message.
EIGHTH: Top of the Table compiled four tight works for first start since May; ready. Quick Power Nap hails from the streaking Rudy Rodriguez barn; worth long look. Long Legged Queen owns speed and fast back numbers; price will be tempting.
NINTH: Complex Agenda makes first start since gelded for new barn; improvement predicted. Vintage Vino logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts; dangerous. Authentic Legend, another first-time gelding, takes potent class drop. Nyquistador, also gelded since last start, gets Lasix and fits Chad Brown's signature pattern; right in the thick of this.
