Steve Matthews’ Belmont at the Big A selections for Thursday, Sept. 18

Best bet: PAMPERED (5)

Best value: LINARITE (7)

FIRST: Welshman won over the Fair Hill jumps by nearly six lengths on Aug. 30; pairs up. Zarak the Brave was a game second in Grade 1 Jonathan Sheppard Handicap last time; dangerous. Swore was a clear-cut maiden winner over the Colonial Downs fences last out; don’t ignore.

SECOND: That’sthefactjack, a hard-charging third in last, should find today’s additional furlong right in her wheelhouse. Spirit of Esther drops and returns to dirt; dangerous. She’s Complicated takes price plunge after failing to beat a horse in last two starts; damaged goods?

THIRD: Sunshine Lily, freshened for eight weeks, fired eye-catching 5-furlong drill on Aug. 23; breakthrough predicted. Patience N Grace is training consistently for first start since May; tallied fast late-pace figure in debut. Giuliana’s Dream owns speed but lacks heart; mixed message.

FOURTH: Sesame Seed Bagel gets appropriate turnback to sprint; four works since last start seal the deal. Bosun is riding a two-race winning streak; could easily take another. Innate owns speed and holds razor-sharp current condition; right in the thick of this.

FIFTH: Pampered was compromised by slow splits when fourth in debut; improvement expected. Blue Madame, favored in debut, makes second start for Chad Brown; worth long look. One More Guitar was an even fifth in 10-horse field last time; don’t dismiss.

SIXTH: Bold Victory made late run when fourth in key race at Parx last time; call based on price. Laughing Boy is fleet-footed and drops; big-time player. Bold Endeavor, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, bounced last time after fast-figured placing in prior; right in the thick of this.

SEVENTH: Linarite is rested and packs powerful late wallop on “A” efforts. Blossoming Erudite owns speed and gets favorable cutback; very interesting. Slightly Busy should possess improved kick at 6 furlongs; must be factored into the mix.

EIGHTH: Egyptian is fresh, adds blinkers and gets Kendrick Carmouche; potential main speed. Askingforafriend owns stalker’s style and will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Moe Eighty Eight (hit the board in last three starts) and Oat Coutour (willing second in most recent turf outing) are two more that could run past them all if pace meltdown ensues.