This content is part of a free preview of DRF Plus. Click to learn more. SPOT PLAYS AND LIVE LONGSHOTS Saratoga Race 7, (3:44 ET) Terrific show of speed when dueling nearest the rail in his debut four weeks ago portends good things for BIRD NOW (#7, 4-1), a nicely-bred Whitney homebred, and NPZ will be looking to salvage a little something from an otherwise disappointing Spa meet by getting some shipping cash, given expected improvement over that first run. Comes well drawn toward the outer with hot jock Saez taking a return call. – Marty McGee BIRD NOW had speed on debut August 3rd but was unlucky to wind up in a fast duel with an experienced rival; moving outside for second start a plus. - Mike Beer Saratoga Race 9, (4:50 ET) 6-1 morning-line colt STRONG MANDATE (#9, 6-1)bears a striking resemblance to 2009 Hopeful winner Dublin, who also improved sharply for a second-out maiden win for these same connections. Blinkers really did the trick. - Dave Litfin