Saratoga Vulnerable Favorites, Live Longshots, and Spot Plays: August 22
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SPOT PLAYS AND LIVE LONGSHOTS
Saratoga Race 5, (3:11 ET) - LIVE LONGSHOT
SAM'S BUCK (#3, 12-1) It's difficult to envision this gelding going off at anything near the morning-line quote after he loomed boldly in the stretch of a less-restrictive $20,000 race that had a date clause and thus admitted dropdown winner Quantity. Half the ML price would be fair, but you may not even get that. - Dave Litfin
NATIVE WAVE (#5, 4-1) fits well on the strength of his best turf Beyers, and though he was off the board in his most recent try on the grass he had a tough trip there, prompting a quick pace and moving prematurely before tiring; expecting him to rebound. - Kenny Peck
BEST FRIENDS (#3, 6-1) Seems like Sheppard is more inclined to start off his young horses in routes, so he might be tipping his hand as to how fast this 2yo Bernstein filly is. He and owner-breeder Backer have enjoyed a decent meet, and besides, this MSW turf sprint could have value aplenty if the Pletcher filly Super Sky doesn't run any better than first out; this one might well be the best alternative. - Marty McGee
FLORAL ROMANCE (#5, 6-1) has displayed improved speed last pair, both disappointing outings; hoping for a return to successful off the pace tactics third start off the layoff. - Chuck Kuehhas
Saratoga Race 9, (5:22 ET) - LIVE LONGSHOT
ISN'TLOVEJUSTGRAND (#8, 15-1) has five career wins, three of which have come over this track/trip, and he should benefit from the outside draw after getting stuck trying to rally inside in each of his last two starts. - Mike Beer
VULNERABLE FAVORITES
FREE AS A BIRD (#2, 3-1) The Beyers are steady but she's blown clear leads in two of her last three, and now she goes further than she's ever gone. The 3-1 ML favorite figures to have trouble lasting, especially if she gets caught up in a duel with Mariel N Kathy. - Kenny Peck
