Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Sept. 20
Best bet: HEARD ON THESTREET (3)
Best value: LADY DELILAH (6)
FIRST: Hit That Review logged solid late-pace figures in both starts; rates close call. Lucas's Mischief could prove very tough on a soft lead. My Man Magoo is from a dam that has produced four turf winners; price will be tempting.
SECOND: Highestdistinction ships in from Monmouth and gets class relief; three works since last start seal the deal. Battle of Normandy was rested after winning two in a row earlier this summer; very dangerous. Pioneering Spirit packs potent kick on best efforts.
THIRD: Heard On Thestreet fired crisp half-mile drill since determined win in last; takes another. Parkerness exits game placing at Timonium last time; fits with the locals at this level. Two for Charging is fresh and training with a purpose; worth long look.
FOURTH: My Kentucky Girl tallied swift final fraction when winning most recent; sharp training tab for return seals the deal. St. Benedicts Prep owns four wins from last six starts and fired 5-furlong bullet last week; very dangerous. Olga Isabel is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
FIFTH: Reflexivity gets class relief and will be aided by slight cutback in distance. Miss Bourbon was a change-of-pace third in last; very interesting. Shaman Princess' speed gives her a puncher's chance at a price.
SIXTH: Lady Delilah made forward move on the numbers last out and could be primed for breakthrough with switch to dirt. Boston's Phinest is a fresh and a sharply training runner from the Chad Brown barn; trainer's classic pattern. Dreamworkin compiled solid work tab for debut for Rick Dutrow; follow the money.
SEVENTH: Jackson Heights raced wide versus slow fraction last time; better trip today. Certified Loverboy could play out as the dominant front-runner. Donegal Surges burned a ton of cash when eased in last; handle with care.
EIGHTH: Dancing Dean should find today's additional furlong right in his wheelhouse. Sweet Dutchess owns positional speed in bulky field; worth long look. Southampton Dock ships in for dangerous Philly-based barn and Paco Lopez tags along for the ride; don't overlook.
NINTH: American Kestrel could capitalize on clear lead on turf course that's playing kindly to speed. Past Tense makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; very dangerous. True Myth was a tough-trip fifth in lone grass start; very interesting. Sale Leaseback drops and ships in from Jersey for Chad Brown; worth long look.
