Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Sept. 27
Best bet: DAKOTA GOLD (8)
Best value: SWEET TONE (4)
FIRST: Refuse to Lose returns to sprint after compiling three tight works since last start; forward move predicted. My Magic Wand also logged solid training tab since last outing; worth long look. Back to Gridlock fits the signature Chad Brown profile; be no surprise.
SECOND: Forward Move made a forward move when third in last and should have more to give. Raging is speedy and could prove very tough to catch on course that's been kind to front-runners. Teta's Trotter should be aided by cutback to sprint.
THIRD: President Z is training with a purpose for first start since February; solid layoff barn. Squire Creek owns speed and drops; dangerous. Giroovin could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
FOURTH: Sweet Tone is fresh and packs potent late kick on "A" efforts. Makeyourmoment drilled twice since useful fifth in debut; dangerous. Cattani logged career-best effort on this surface last fall; worth long look.
FIFTH: Rough Draft made determined rally to win last at 31-1; pairs up at big price. Dancing Rinca ships in for Neil Drysdale after game placing at Kentucky Downs last time; likely to be undervalued. Toxic Gray moves to grass with fast dirt numbers; very interesting.
SIXTH: Sovereignty tallied fast late-pace figure when fourth in debut; added quarter mile should play to strength. Spurgeon made solid late run in last; very dangerous. Classicist has trained sharply since tough-trip third in first start; big-time player.
SEVENTH: Enfuega adds blinkers and projects as the main speed from outside slot. Brown Suga Babe ships in from Parx after fast-figured win in last; very playable. Nolita has hit the board in all four starts; logical, short-priced player.
EIGHTH: Dakota Gold logged swift final fraction when winning last; more to come. City Man drilled three times since second to top pick in last; loves Big A sod. Hush of a Storm could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
NINTH: On a Summer Day was a change-of-pace third in last; breakthrough predicted. Lotus Petal was a tough-trip third in debut; dangerous. Soul Secret is from a dam that has produced three grass winners; very interesting. Early On is another that owns solid turf breeding.
