Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Saturday, Sept. 17
Best Bet: KING ANGELO (8); Best Value: THE GREY WIZARD (10)
FIRST: Fleetfooted has worked swiftly since useful effort in debut; forward move predicted. Souffle was a late-running second in same race as top pick; be no surprise. Midtown Lights makes first start for Brad Cox; follow the money.
SECOND: Alcools delivers strong efforts with machine-like consistency. Bronx Bomber could prove very tough on a clear lead. Long Term Thinking could be positioned in the stalker's seat.
THIRD: Aruba compiled tight work tab for first start since January; ready to deliver. Siege of Boston has finished second in last two; runner-up again? Indemnify is another with two straight seconds; handle with care at short odds.
FOURTH: Its All Relevant was rested after front-running score on June 24; tight work tab seals the deal. O Shea Can U See could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Lil Commissioner owns 10 wins from 36 starts; very interesting.
FIFTH: Once a Giant logged only win on Big A loam; quick return is the clincher. Amedeus Music is another whose lone score was at Aqueduct; price will be tempting. Umbria drops after spending more than two months on the bench; damaged goods?
SIXTH: Padma has worked sharply since second to a much-the-best winner in debut; more to come. Occult (Chad Brown) and Candy Strike (Todd Pletcher) are newcomers that demand tote and on-track scrutiny. Spun Special should improve with race under belt.
SEVENTH: Beside Herself set solid fractions when a wire-to-wire winner last time; keeps on giving. McKulik will be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the stretch. Miss Yearwood is a last-race winner that ships in for capable connections (Ian Wilkes); don't ignore.
EIGHTH: King Angelo has trained strongly since front-running score on July 24; takes another. Klickitat packs potent late kick and could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Phantom Smoke, another last-race winner, has been off the board only once in eight starts; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: Prisoner could play out as the speed of the speed with proper handling. Expressman numerically and visually impressed when a wrapped-up winner in debut; price will be meager. Ryan's Cat would be aided by fast, contested fractions; don't ignore.
TENTH: The Grey Wizard notched swift late-pace figure when a tough-trip fourth in last; deserves another chance. Classic Causeway is speedy and starts from the hedge; big-time, front-running threat. Nations Pride logged strong efforts in both stateside starts; could easily take this.
ELEVENTH: Royal Currency was done in by rough start in last; extra sixteenth is added bonus. Maddie's Surprise should improve with return to grass; very interesting. Royal Dancer owns speed and fast figures; logical, short-priced player. Shinfull also is quick from gate and should be tighter in second start since two-month absence; must be factored into the mix.
