Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, Sept. 21
Best bet: B D SAINTS (11)
Best value: GENERAL BANKER (10)
FIRST: Bestfriend Rocket is training swiftly for move to dirt; improvement predicted. Rookie Card was a hard-fought second in debut; regresses today? Fun to Tap was bought for $1.2 million as a yearling; recoups huge investment?
SECOND: Anaconda drops for second start in more than a year; forward move expected. Barristan The Bold gets confident price hike for first local start; odds will be tempting. Runningwscissors owns three wins on Big A sod; don't ignore.
THIRD: Jake Rocks is riding a forward line on the numbers; more to come. Commerce Comet owns speed and gets class relief; very interesting. Emerald Forest owns fast back numbers; don't dismiss.
FOURTH: Emirates Road exits fast-figured win in last; crisp half-mile drill in the interim seals the deal. Brigade Commander could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Strapped makes third start of form cycle; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: In All My Dreams tallied career-best effort on Aqueduct grass this past spring; history repeats. Gallant Greta tallied fast final fraction when third in last; dangerous. Autumn could prove very tough on a soft lead.
SIXTH: Smile Mon makes quick return and drops; improvement predicted. Chalky Cat logged only win on Big A loam; big-time player. Irie Man was a clear-cut maiden winner in last; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Skytown (game placing in debut) and Hit the Post (middle move and fade) are both on AE list but rate top two spots if able to get in. Probability adds blinkers and fired half-mile bullet for first start in seven weeks; ready. Hang On Fortheride is a newcomer from the Chad Brown barn; charting a must.
EIGHTH: Breath Away was a determined winner in last and owns faster back numbers. Saffron Moon fits the quintessential Chad Brown profile; very playable. Ocean Club was a change-of-pace third in last; price will be tempting.
NINTH: Wudhooh should pack intensified wallop with cutback to sprint. Strife also should possess amplified kick at 6 furlongs. Out too Late was second in last; must consider.
10TH: General Banker logged all three wins at the Big A; more to come. Reddington won last and displays a history of stringing victories; dangerous. Chileno compiled tight work tab for first start since March; don't ignore.
11TH: B D Saints owns speed and notched only win on Aqueduct turf. American Grant could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. King Freud logged five tight works for first start in seven weeks. Slapintheface must be factored into the mix if able to escape AE list.
