Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Sept. 26
Best bet: SENDERA (5)
Best value: PHILEAS FOGG (7)
FIRST: Stunner was second to a runaway winner in debut; another chance. Hay Evabody set the fractions to the quarter pole when finishing two lengths behind top pick; dangerous. Jenkin owns strong breeding on both sides of pedigree; follow the money.
SECOND: Sue Ellen Mishkin is speedy and rested; come and catch her. Gone and Forgotten would be aided by pace meltdown. Athena Beach fires strong efforts with machinelike consistency; big-time player.
THIRD: Patronage was gelded and gets Lasix for first start in more than a year; ready. Flame Rock Fire owns sprinter's speed and could prove tough on a soft lead. Daybright Delights was a game second in last; must consider.
FOURTH: Flight Control moves to grass after being done in by poor start last time; improvement predicted. Quick Power Nap would be aided by pace meltdown. Linarite is another that could impact if fractions get fast and furious.
FIFTH: Sendera should pack amplified wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Nikki Brainburst gets favorable cutback in distance after displaying improved speed in last. Steppin' Hawk is fleet-footed and fresh; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: Scoring Chance owns solid late-pace figures and turf bloodlines; big effort on tap. Silver Skillet regressed in last after winning prior two; rebound threat. Busy Morning, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, exits clear-cut win in last; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Phileas Fogg has trained sharply since front-running score in last; pairs up. Blazing Sevens, 2-for-2 at the Big A, will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Curbstone, a four-time winner on Aqueduct loam; owns fast back figures; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Sassy Allie was rested after hard-fought placing on July 28; tight work tab for return seals the deal. El Alacran is speedy and will be aided by cutback to sprint. John the Baptist is another that gets favorable turnback; worth long look. Reverend Moon makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; must be factored into the mix.
