Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, Sept. 21
Best Bet: ROSWELL (3)
Best Value: GRAMMY GIRL (7)
FIRST: Darty Time drops two levels and projects as the main speed. Sheer Will should pack enhanced kick with cutback to sprint. Chocolatechocolate owns three seconds and a third from five starts; another minor award?
SECOND: Carlin Contention returns to dirt and gets class relief; forward move predicted. God Given makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; dangerous. Smallchangegeep regressed in last after clear-cut placing in prior; don't ignore.
THIRD: Roswell tallied rapid late-pace figure when winning last; pairs up. Luna Moth, another last-race winner, gets aggressive two-level price boost; very interesting. Golden Degree can prove to be a very tough customer on a soft lead.
FOURTH: Maggie T is fleet-footed and fresh; call based on price potential. Killy Start is riding a two-race winning streak; big-time threat. Speak Softly makes peak start of form cycle and drops; don't overlook.
FIFTH: Time Stone compiled tight work tab for first start since June; ready. Bint Al Dandy owns speed and starts from the hedge; dangerous. Just So Pretty also is quick from the gate; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Daisy Doo runs late and should be aided by today's additional 16th. Sir Walta moves to grass after speed and fade in debut; worth long look. Three Thirteen exits front-running placing in last; must be considered.
SEVENTH: Grammy Girl should possess intensified wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Alyeska (could be in garden spot if pace meltdown ensues) and Senza Parole (fast-figured efforts in both starts) are uncoupled runners from Chad Brown barn; take your pick. Practical Lov bounced last time after swift-numbered win in prior; must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: Grace and Grit tallied lone win this course and distance last fall; switch back to Kendrick Carmouche seals the deal. Nonna Lynne looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Honorable Becky is another that would be aided by pace meltdown.
NINTH: Velcamp was a clear-cut second in debut on Ellis Park turf; ready for prime time. South Philly Slide is from a dam that has produced six grass winners; charting a must. Winrooski (front-end second in last), Gigi Cake's (another with speed) and Scorch (well bet in both starts) are three runners below the AE line that must be factored into the mix if able to scratch into body of race.
