Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Saturday, Sept. 13
Best Bet: LUNA LOUSKA (10)
Best Value: GOTTA GUY (5)
FIRST: The Obliterator drilled five times since second to a 10-length winner last time; ready. Froutien was a tough-trip third in debut; dangerous. Thirsted concluded work tab with crisp half-mile work; follow the money.
SECOND: Three B's tallied crisp final fraction when winning last; pairs up in first start for Linda Rice. Social Hour drew off to win by nearly nine lengths at Monmouth last out; very playable. Tizmarkus is right in the thick of this on best efforts.
THIRD: Who's the King has worked swiftly since winning on July 25; more to come. Frizzante drops and cuts back in distance; worth long look. Leading Contender is more than good enough on "A" efforts.
FOURTH: Kaz Brio, from a dam that has produced a turf winner, ships in for capable Penn-based barn. Force displayed speed in debut; very interesting. Let's Be Frank noticeably picked up the tempo in final workout; charting a must.
FIFTH: Gotta Guy logs fast late-pace figures; call based on price potential. Via Della Spiga adds blinkers and could play out as the main speed. True Connection also is quick from the gate and must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Into the Light was an even fourth in debut; forward move predicted for potent second-out stable. Day One Starter is another that holds experience edge in field with six newcomers. Gordy is firing bullets for first start could be the goods.
SEVENTH: Noble Dynasty was a willing second in debut; more to come. Boss Henry exits tough-trip third in first start; very dangerous. British Invasion was a clear-cut second in debut; be no surprise.
EIGHTH: The Paddock Pastor was a last-to-first winner in most recent; takes another. Mo Trump is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Saratoga Flash is fresh and training with a purpose; very playable.
NINTH: Makes Sense is riding a two-race winning streak and could fall through the cracks in the wagering. Classicist was rested after front-running maiden score on July 13; dangerous. Sturdy, another last-race winner, owns faster back numbers.
TENTH: Luna Louska projects as the speed of the speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Dontlookbackatall makes third start of form cycle after game placing in last; big-time player. Risk Threshold logged all three wins on Big A sod; must be factored into the mix.
ELEVENTH: My Life Story was compromised by slow fractions when fifth in last; class drop seals the deal. Hedge the Risk should move forward with return to grass. Sanderson makes first start since gelded; don't ignore. Maybern tallied only win on Aqueduct turf; price will be tempting.
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