Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Sept. 19
Best bet: LA VITA SOFIA (5)
Best value: MY LIFE STORY (6)
FIRST: Evie's Prince is riding a two-race winning streak; call in totally unnecessary jump race. L'Imperator is a two-time winner over the Big A fences. Welshman can take this on best efforts.
SECOND: Stage Left tallied swift internal numbers when second at Delaware last time; more to give. Sheriff Bianco will be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Twenty Four Mamba is fresh and gets class relief; dangerous.
THIRD: Passive Management tallied fast late-pace figures in both efforts; paltry price is the problem. Mr Flowers could secure clear lead with aggressive handling. Stop the Press should improve with return to grass.
FOURTH: Skylander tallied swift final fraction in last; three-time winner at the Big A. Magnolia Midnight owns speed and drops; price will be tempting. Rocco Strong fired 5-furlong bullet since besting top selection by half-length on Aug. 18; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: La Vita Sofia logged four sharp works since clear-cut win in most recent; pairs up. Bobby Jean broke maiden by nine expanding lengths last time; worth long look. Save Us Melania, another last-race maiden winner, owns sprinter's speed; must consider.
SIXTH: My Life Story should pack amplified wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Egyptian Quest compiled three tight works for first start in seven weeks; very interesting. Braca could enjoy soft lead at big price; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Ghostlyprince is fresh and logs fast final fractions on best efforts. Feathers Road owns sprinter's speed and makes third start of form cycle; worth long look. Our Country packs potent late kick on "A" efforts.
EIGHTH: Flight Control is training consistently and projects as the speed of the speed with proper ride. Better Humor Me runs late and could be the prime beneficiary if top selection fails to clear other front-runners. Carol T is another that packs strong kick on best races; don't overlook.
NINTH: Yesterday went to sidelines after failing to deliver on heavy tote support in debut on July 21; primed for return. Silent Dreamer (Christophe Clement) and Every Vote Counts (Chad Brown) are newcomers from potent first-out barns. Sporting Lady was a strong second in lone turf start; must be factored into the mix. Bourbon Milk Punch was a willing second in first start; right in the thick of this.
