Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Sept. 15
Best bet: GHOST GIANT (4)
Best value: RUGGED UNION (10)
FIRST: The Mean Queen should be ideally positioned in jump race that should be non-betting exhibition; tally ho. State of Affair won last by nearly 10 lengths. Howyabud is 2-for-2.
SECOND: Another unnecessary steeplechase. Snap Decision was impressive 13-length winner last time. Iranistan failed as the favorite in last. Song for Someone should improve in second start since more than four-year layoff; on to the real racing, please.
THIRD: Risk Free was second to a much-the-best winner in debut; added furlong is key. Oh Donna displayed speed after poor start when making first outing in same race as top pick; dangerous. Unifying compiled sharp work tab for debut; could be the goods.
FOURTH: Ghost Giant logged fast final fraction when winning last; pairs up. Regal Speaker is fresh and owns fast back numbers; very interesting. Grape Nuts Warrior hails from Chad Brown barn; if chalk is your game.
FIFTH: Jester's Song is training with a purpose for first start since June; ready to deliver. Lupo's Legacy moves to dirt after useful fourth in debut; worth long look. Actualize owns speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
SIXTH: Love My Candy adds blinkers and moves to turf after wide trip in key-race debut; call based on price. Smokie Eyes was solid second in debut; obvious threat. Sweetest Princess was a tough-trip fifth in first start; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Silky Blue is rested and displays history of delivering big efforts off the bench; tight work tab seals the deal. Thunder Love was a change-of-pace second on Horseshoe Indianapolis grass last out; nice fit with the locals. Mrs. Green broke maiden by more than three lengths on Spa turf last time; very dangerous. Get the Candy's speed must be respected.
EIGHTH: Hometown gets class relief and could secure stalker's seat in competitive group. Uncle Water Flow was a clear-cut maiden winner in last; price will be tempting. Major Spin should move forward with return to dirt; don't overlook.
NINTH: Truancy projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Shadolamo could be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the lane. Forty Smooth has won four of last six starts; right in the thick of this.
10TH: Rugged Union is fleet-footed and working swiftly for first start in eight weeks; ready to roll. Empire Ridge should pack amplified wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs; very playable. Smart Joker is another that should be aided by turnback to sprint. Theregoesmymiracle was a game second at 37-1 last time; don't ignore.
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