Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Friday, Sept. 12

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comSeptember 10, 2025

Best Bet: LEFTEMBEHIND (7)

Best Value: EL DE LARRY (6)

FIRST: Belloro displayed improved speed when second in last; more to come. Starship Lizzy is from a dam that has produced a stakes winner; charting a must. Bank Street could be aided by today's longer trip.

SECOND: Aerate logged career-best number on Big A loam this past spring. Sergeant Capps was a clear-cut second in last; dangerous. Dew makes third start of form cycle; don't ignore.

THIRD: My Man Matty is speedy and drops; can take this if not damaged goods. Ride Up is riding a forward line on the numbers. Torpedo Run would be aided by pace meltdown.

FOURTH: Register could play out as the main speed with aggressive handling. Dreamlike will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. House United is another that would benefit from pace meltdown.

FIFTH: Full of Tact, from a prolific mare, debuts for potent jockey-trainer combo. Never Heather displayed speed in debut and should be tighter with race under belt. L'Eclair logged four works since useful fifth in debut; don't dismiss.

SIXTH: El de Larry tallied sharp final fraction in last; forward move predicted. Zapruder owns two wins on Aqueduct grass; worth long look. Sounds Like a Plan was a game second in last; logical contender.

SEVENTH: Leftembehind should pack intensified wallop with cutback to mile. Cicciobello makes peak start of form cycle after showing improved speed in last; very dangerous. Buttah exits game placing in most recent; be no surprise.

EIGHTH: Charles J logged swift late-pace figure in most recent; more to come. Mo Kreesa was compromised by wide trip in last; very interesting. Real Savvy is more than good enough on "A" efforts.

NINTH: Heathguard compiled tight work tab for first start in more than seven months; price will be on your side. Steadfast Resolve tallied both wins on Big A sod; big-time threat. Just for Luck owns fast back figures; don't overlook. Enlighten was rested after hard-fought placing on July 17; must be factored into the mix.