Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, Sept. 29

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comSeptember 27, 2024

Best bet: ROYAL BROWNE (5)

Best value: LIBERTY CENTRAL (7)

FIRST: Awesome Annemarie get favorable cutback in first start since claimed. Obrigada was a front-end winner at the level last time; could easily take another. Jackie the Joker owns speed and drops; price will be tempting.

SECOND: Sterling Silver was a fast-figured winner in last and owns faster back numbers. Hot Fudge is a six-time winner on Big A loam. Ways and Means fired 5-furlong bullet since winning Test last month; likely underlay.

THIRD: Balthazar should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Hurricane Nelson could prove very tough on a soft lead. Summer in Erin was a useful third in debut; must consider.

FOURTH: Hatch tallied improved late-pace figure when second in last; more to come. Optic Way will be aided by turnback to sprint. Classic Mark gets much-needed class drop.

FIFTH: Royal Browne notched swift final fraction when winning lone turf start; tight work tab for return seals the deal. Union Express owns speed and rates puncher's chance at fat price. Decanted makes third start of form cycle; worth long look.

SIXTH: Army Proud compiled four tight works since third in last; forward move predicted. Joker On Fire could play out as the controlling front-runner on surface that's been kind to speed. Ragtime Prankster owns solid grass breeding; charting a must.

SEVENTH: Liberty Central is riding a "healthy" line on late-pace and final figures; big effort on tap. Bad Larry bounced last time after fast-figured third in prior; rebound potential. Bob John Ray logged only win at Aqueduct; don't ignore.

EIGHTH: Virgin Colada logged fast late-pace figures in both starts; rail draw seals the deal. Scythian overcame slow fractions to win last; very interesting. Rare Art was just a length behind top pick after tough trip on July 21; don't overlook.

NINTH: Street Ready fired two 5-furlong bullets since last start; improvement predicted. Be Like Clint should pack intensified wallop with cutback to shorter route. Laurel Valley could prove tough to collar if allowed unchallenged lead; worth long look. Harry Hood owns fast back numbers; don't ignore.