Steve Matthews’ Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Oct. 2

Best bet: TAHOE SUNRISE (3)

 Best value: CHAMBERSVILLE (4)

 FIRST: Coola Boola was rested and drops after speed and fade in debut; tighter today. Peace of Gold was an improved fifth in last; headed in right direction. Tapit Back debuts for capable first-out barn; follow the money.

SECOND: Glavine worked twice since game placing in debut; more to come. Jet Off is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Bold Statement (from a dam that has produced two turf winners), Jubilee Parade (fast works) and Underbidder (Chad Brown) are newcomers that must be factored into the mix.

THIRD: Tahoe Sunrise was done in by swift fractions when making first start in nine months last time; dialed in today. Crushed It is quick from gate, needed last and drops; must consider. Celestial Glaze logged six tight works for first start in 60 days; very interesting.

FOURTH: Chambersville tallied deceptively fast final fraction in debut; best-of-132 drill on Sept. 20 seals the deal. Behold the King has second in all three starts (albeit one by dq); another placing? Special Envoy debuts for Chad Brown; need more?

FIFTH: Snappy Comeback is riding a two-race winning streak; gets hat trick. Just Philtored has won all three of her starts; very dangerous. Final Accord lived up to heavy tote support when a clear-cut winner in debut at Woodbine; right in the thick of this.

SIXTH: Graywing projects as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Master of Arms will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Gatsby gets confident price boost in first start since claimed; worth long look.

SEVENTH: Avenue Niel faced Grade 3 field on all-weather surface at Woodbine last out; return to turf and class relief are keys. Immensitude displayed improved speed when second in last; big-time player. Fantasy Performer was pace-compromised in last and has benefit of rail today; very playable.

EIGHTH: Tahila makes first start with maiden-claiming tag and should pack enhanced kick with cutback to sprint. In Fact Sheza Zask is speedy and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Froghollowsummer, another that’s fleet-footed, must be given a puncher’s chance. Garden of Grace regressed in last after solid efforts in prior two starts; bounce-back potential.