Steve Matthews' Belmont at The Big A selections for Thursday, Sept. 29
Best Bet: NOBILIS (5); Best Value: STORM THE EMPIRE (9)
FIRST: Clairarific is training sharply for first start since March; potent layoff barn. Alessia should pack heightened kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Funny How has finished third in both starts; gets show dough again?
SECOND: Rocket's Red Glare was second to a repeat winner in last. Java Buzz, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, was involved in spirited duel in same last race; dangerous. Theregoesmymiracle owns fast numbers but is 0-for-21; must take the good with the bad.
THIRD: Artic Arrogance logged swift late-pace and final figures when a wire-to-wire winner in debut; takes another. Donegal Surges has delivered strong efforts in both starts; dangerous. Blame It On Daddy is another that has fired big shots in two outings; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Daily Briefing regressed in last after 10-length score in previous start; rebounds. Alpine Queen could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Big Q packs big late kick on best efforts; don't ignore.
FIFTH: Nobilis logged fast final fraction when a clear-cut second in debut; more to come. Wanna Winna noticeably picked up the tempo in final two works; could be the goods. Inspector, another newcomer, owns win-early bloodlines; follow the money.
SIXTH: Kept Waiting gets class relief and projects as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Keeper of Time could be sitting in the catbird seat if top selection hits the wall in the lane. Fouette owns fast back numbers and makes third start of form cycle; very interesting.
SEVENTH: Big Everest is fresh, training consistently and could get early jump with aggressive handling. Therapist packs solid late wallop but hasn't seen winner's circle in two years; mixed message. Flop Shot is 1-for-1 on Big A sod; worth long look.
EIGHTH: Gasoline visually and numerically impressed when breaking maiden last out; takes another. Up to the Mark has logged fast figures in both starts; be no surprise. Fromanothamutha is right in the thick of this on "A" efforts.
NINTH: Storm the Empire fired half-mile bullet since speed and fade in debut; forward move predicted. Uncle Marty was a hard-charging second last time; could easily take this. Leftembehind concluded work tab with crisp half-mile drill; very interesting. Thank You Jon is another firster that's training with a purpose; must consider.
