Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Sept. 23
Best bet: AUNT VIRGINIA (9)
Best value: WHO ME (6)
FIRST: Hay Stack has worked three times since useful fifth in debut; forward move predicted. Misintention displayed newfound speed in last; very interesting. Implicated, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, makes turf debut for Chad Brown; must consider.
SECOND: Dame Cinco was a clear-cut winner in last; pairs up. Frosted Wild Ride is speedy and rested; price will be tempting. Bells On Her Toes should improve with return to dirt; don't dismiss.
THIRD: Today's Flavor is firing bullets for first start in more than a year; ready. Conquist holds razor-sharp current condition; dangerous. Ocean's Reserve could be in the garden if top two selections hook on the lead.
FOURTH: Jade's Dream makes first start since claimed by the newly resurrected David Jacobson barn; breakthrough predicted. Who Hoo Thats Me should pack intensified kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Excellent Timing could play out as the speed of the speed; worth long look.
FIFTH: Tizzy in the Sky should find mile trip right in her wheelhouse. Inventing is fresh and owns fast numbers on best efforts. Signal From Noise is training swiftly for debut for Chad Brown; need more?
SIXTH: Who Me is rested and training with a purpose; set to deliver big effort. Fire King logged five works since non-stressful fourth in debut; more to give. Eye Witness makes first start for Wes Ward; barn always has them ready for debut.
SEVENTH: Parquetry fired crisp half-mile drill since tough-trip fourth in last; inside draw seals the deal in bulky field. Analogy logged only win on Big A sod; big-time contender. C Falls is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
EIGHTH: Lady Mine could secure the stalker's seat in small but competitive field. Security Code has delivered strong efforts in both starts; dangerous. Miracle regressed in last after fast-figure win in debut; rebound potential.
NINTH: Aunt Virginia makes third start of form cycle after tough-trip placing in last; more to come. Busy Morning drops and gets favorable cutback in distance; very dangerous. Flip My Id could play out as the controlling front-runner with aggressive handling; very interesting. Silver Fist also owns speed and is from a dam that has produced a turf winner; don't ignore.
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