Steve Matthews’ Belmont selections for Wednesday, Oct. 4
Best bet: MARNESIA BIG GIRL (7)
Best value: FOREIGN AFFAIR (4)
FIRST: Swayze logged fast final fraction in last; added ground plays to strength. Zap Zap Zap regressed in last after fast-figured placing in prior; rebound threat. New Moon is training with a purpose for first start in 74 days; price will be tempting.
SECOND: Pounds to Pennies notched fast late-pace figure when a clear-cut second in last; three tight works in the interim seals the deal. Length was a front-running second in last; very dangerous. Wake Island owns three seconds and two thirds in five starts; logical player.
THIRD: Going Strong made strong rally when a solid second at 6 1⁄2 furlongs last time; stretch to mile is the clincher. Karma Delight makes first start since claimed by Charlie Baker; worth long look. Carlino was a clear-cut second to a repeat winner in last; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Foreign Affair tallied solid final fraction when breaking maiden Sept. 8; more to come. Say Cin Cin owns fast late-pace and final figures; very playable. Discreet Image is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Transaction Tax capitalized on slow splits when winning last; likely underlay.
FIFTH: Boule has trained sharply since clear-cut win in last; pairs up at fat ticket. Just Got Out is a three-time winner on Belmont loam; very playable. Parade fired 3-furlong bullet since game placing in last; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Itsthemoney is riding a forward line on late-pace and final figures; primed for career best. Havana Affair was a game second at 53-1 last time; worth long look at long price. Grand Banks should pack amplified kick with cutback to mile.
SEVENTH: Marnesia Big Girl exits easy score in last at Spa and is 1-for-1 on Belmont sod; more to come. Josephine’s Moment is speedy, drops and is 5-for-7 at the mile distance; big-time player. Flick of an Eye makes peak start of form cycle and consistently logs fast figures; must consider.
EIGHTH: First Appeal has won four of last five starts and is 2-for-2 on Belmont sod; keeps on giving. Paz the Bourbon owns fast numbers but has failed as the favorite in last three starts; proceed with caution. Queen of Spades contested swift splits when a determined winner in last; price will be tempting.
NINTH: Buy for Less logged deceptively fast final fraction when sixth in first grass start last time; forward move predicted. Divine Caroline drops into maiden claimer after even fourth in debut; very dangerous. Daddyisdooley has finished second in last three starts; logical contender. Banner Wave bested top selection by a length when third on Sept. 8; must be factored into the mix.