Steve Matthews’ Belmont at the Big A selections for Friday, Sept. 19

Best bet: PEMAQUID (5)

Best value: INTENTIOUS (7)

FIRST: Baseball Lady adds blinkers, drops and drilled three times since last start; improvement predicted. St. Brigid’s Cross, a front-running second in last, could be aided by slight cutback in distance. Megowan Street compiled tight work tab for debut; follow the money.

SECOND: Kavanaugh moves to turf after logging fast late-pace figure in last; more to come. Ski Bum is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Reteko could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.

THIRD: Mo for the King could capitalize on soft lead with stretch to a mile. Hey Toby is riding a two-race winning streak; very dangerous. Refuah was second to a repeat winner in last; don’t ignore.

FOURTH: Chris’s Song projects as the main speed with aggressive handling. Speightful Storm could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Counter Move is fleet-footed and could compromise chances of top pick; pace makes the race.

FIFTH: Pemaquid makes peak start of form cycle after non-stressful fourth in last. Equitas could be aided by today’s additional three furlongs; worth long look. Channel Check is improving with every start; must be factored into the mix.

SIXTH: Sweet Montreal earned swift internal and final numbers when winning debut; more to come. Arinata tallied solid late-pace figure when winning debut; very playable. Saint Margaret, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, would be aided by fast fractions.

SEVENTH: Intentious should pack amplified kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. I’m Kidding is speedy and adds blinkers; big-time front-end threat. Geopolitics also is quick from gate and has Kendrick Carmouche in saddle; right in the thick of this.

EIGHTH: Kigali could play out as the controlling speed with heads-up handling. Master Piece gets class relief and runs late; worth long look. Fuerteventura has finished second in last two starts; must consider.

NINTH: Nano Man tallied improved final fraction in last; set for best in third start of form cycle. Derek’s Law owns a stalker’s style that could be well served in likely pace dynamics. Dancing Bear is fleet-footed and will offer juicy odds; very interesting. Insubordination should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to sprint; must be factored into the mix.