Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Saturday, Sept. 20
Best bet: PRINCESS SUMMER (11)
Best value: ANTIETAM (5)
FIRST: Long Pour set crisp fractions when a front-running winner last out; more to come. National Identity is training sharply for first start since April; dangerous. Uncle George is a six-time winner in a field of those with just one score; must be considered.
SECOND: Unbroken Chain was a clear-cut victor in key race at Finger Lakes last out; owns a win at the Big A. Li'l Lang cuts back to sprint and returns to dirt; wake-up potential. Camm' Duke is rested and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead.
THIRD: Funny Factor exits pace-pressing victory in last; running style plays well in compact group. Twenty One Red was a tough-trip second behind top pick in debut; dangerous. Spirit of New York tallied solid numbers in both starts; be no surprise.
FOURTH: Shilling outworked 118 rivals in half-mile drill on Sept. 12; gets call in nine-horse field with eight newcomers. Smitten is a Godolphin home-bred that's training with a purpose; charting a must. Minute by Minute debuts for Chad Brown; obviously must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Antietam tallied deceptively fast late-pace figure in first grass start; forward move predicted. Vintage Vino is fresh and owns fast numbers on "A" efforts. Cuando logged two swift half-mile works since solid second in last; worth long look.
SIXTH: Wajda projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Dark Vector owns five seconds from 13 starts; another placing. Renew the Blue made last-to-first move to win most recent; very interesting.
SEVENTH: Concorde Spirit drops and returns on nine days' rest; throw deep in basement-level claimer. Funny Joke owns speed and logged two of three wins at the Big A. Beachwalker, an uncoupled barn mate of second pick, could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
EIGHTH: Sea To Sky was compromised by plodding splits in stateside debut; deserves another chance. Opulent Restraint owns fast numbers and can win from on or off the pace; big-time player. Ruth has turf breeding on both sides of pedigree; don't ignore.
NINTH: Indy Magic tallied fast late-pace figure when winning two in a row; takes another. Joey Muscles displayed newfound speed in most recent start; very interesting. Caldo Candy is rested and more than good enough on "A" effort.
10TH: Roagna should pack intensified late wallop with cutback to sprint. Miss Bourbon also runs last and could be aided by today's additional 16th. Turriga's speed gives her a puncher's chance at a fat ticket.
11TH: Princess Summer notched rapid final fraction when a wide fourth in last; gets there today. Kissed by Karma also was compromised by wide trip in same last race as top pick; dangerous. On a Summer Day is speedy and will offer beefy price; don't ignore. Saratoga Snow regressed in last after game placing in prior; rebound threat.
