Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Friday, Sept. 16
Best Bet: POWER AGENDA (9); Best Value: TOWERING ORBIT (8)
FIRST: Space is the only member of this seven-horse field with experience; edge. Signator was purchased for $1.7 million last April; better have ability with that price tag. Quick Hammer is by a potent first-out sire and debuts for Brad Cox; must consider.
SECOND: Bluegrass Parkway exits game placing in last and owns faster back figures. Tide of the Sea is speedy and can prove very tough on a soft lead. Dream Works makes second stateside start; improvement expected.
THIRD: Wicked Lady bested a next-out winner when a fast-figured maiden victor in last; more to come. Keen Dancer regressed in last after improved fourth in previous start; rebound threat. U Cant Handle This is quick from gate and could prove very tough on a clear lead; must consider.
FOURTH: Diamond Status turns back to 6 furlongs after setting solid splits when a game second at mile in last. Western Lane could be the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall in the stretch. Expand the Map has been second at odds-on in both starts; burns more cash?
FIFTH: General Banker should move forward with return to grass and added ground; price play in wide-open race. Provision was second in both starts; runner-up again? Bear's Correct makes first start versus NY breds after pace-pressing third on Monmouth turf last time; very interesting.
SIXTH: Betsy Blue has worked two times since visually and numerically impressing when winning last; pairs up. Dealing Justice is fleet-footed and can prove very tough if able to secure unchallenged lead. Piece of My Heart consistently logs fast numbers; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Blue Jays makes first start since claimed by Brad Cox after determined win last month; takes another. Chris and Dave logged five tight works for first start in eight weeks; price will b e tempting. Striking Speed owns speed and drops; half-mile bullet on Sept. 2 adds to intrigue.
EIGHTH: Towering Orbit was a change-of-pace second after poor start in last; delivers big effort in first start for Saffie Joseph Jr. Kokopelli is working sharply for first start in 56 days; very dangerous. Theodora Grace is riding a two-race winning streak; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Power Agenda is fleet-footed and drops to lifetime low; "A" game takes nightcap. Matty's Marauder runs late and could be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the stretch. Bourbon's Hope could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat; must consider. Inspiration Point owns swift back numbers; don't dismiss.
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