Steve Matthews’ Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Oct. 10

Best bet: ENNIS TOWN (4)

Best value: LIBERTY RISING (3)

FIRST: Fever Night is rested and drops; best if not damaged goods. Cocktailsnkringle could get the early jump in field that’s light on speed. Derek’s Law makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; must consider.

SECOND: Not for Hire was a change-of-pace sixth in last; forward move predicted. Launch Control is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Van Vollenhoven is competitive on best efforts.

THIRD: Liberty Rising gets class relief after logging crisp 5-furlong drill on Sept. 27; breakthrough predicted. Army Proud is the one to fear if pace meltdown ensues. Dominican Thunder should be aided by cutback to sprint; don’t ignore.

FOURTH: Ennis Town was pace- and trip-compromised in last. Lachaise makes third start of form cycle; worth long look. Jurisprudence fits Chad Brown’s signature pattern; enough said.

FIFTH: Orie is riding a forward line on the numbers. Trinity River owns speed and should benefit from turnback to sprint. Wind Dancer should pack amplified wallop at 6 furlongs; price will be tempting.

SIXTH: Capt Jax Parrow is riding a two-race winning streak; more to come. Trust Issues finished second in last three starts; another placing? Bear Claw Necklace fired 5-furlong bullet since solid second in last; hard to ignore.

SEVENTH: Temple City Taboo logged four tight works for first start in eight weeks; big effort on tap. Surprenant Cocca could roll past them all if fractions get fast and furious. Authenticate Now is a front-end threat on “A” efforts.

EIGHTH: Delightful Darling adds blinkers and projects as the speed of the speed. Belarosa hails from the white-hot Rudy Rodriguez barn; dangerous. Endless Horizons is working strongly at Colts Neck training facility; follow the money. Raffinato, another newcomer, debuts for Brad Cox; charting a must.