Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Wednesday, Oct. 22
Best bet: PRINCESS SUMMER (8)
Best value: KAVANAUGH (2)
FIRST: Collect From Ike logged both wins on Big A loam; half-mile bullet for return seals the deal. Confabulation owns speed and could prove tough on a soft lead. Awesome Empire could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Kavanaugh tallied fast late-pace figure in last and outworked 57 rivals in half-mile bullet last week; more to come. Porosity drops and makes first start since gelded; dangerous. Fiddling Felix regressed in last after three strong efforts in a row; rebound potential.
THIRD: Dark Vector makes first start for Oscar Barrera III; his grandfather was the master off the claim. Smilensaycheese could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Backtrack owns fast back numbers; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Cognoscenti drops after tough trip in last; forward move predicted. The Boondocker could play out as the main speed in turf debut. Landman Friday looms a late-running threat on best efforts.
FIFTH: Bashful Baby is rested, drops and adds blinkers; improvement expected. Doppio Espresso was a rough-trip eighth in debut; price will be tempting. Never Heather is a front-running threat if able to escape AE list.
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: 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. Heathguard runs late and could land in the exotics at generous price; worth long look if able to get into body of race.
EIGHTH: Princess Summer worked six 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. Lady Delilah could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
