Saratoga Vulnerable Favorites, Live Longshots, and Spot Plays: August 9
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SPOT PLAYS AND LIVE LONGSHOTS
Saratoga Race 3, (2:04 ET) - LIVE LONGSHOT
LE DELUGE (#6, 8-1) Long-winded invader has won at today's marathon distance (on synthetic), has back form on dirt, and will be third off a layoff after two conditioning races on turf at Colonial Downs, the latest a minor stake. - Dave Litfin
MISS LECH (#5, 5-2) Capped off a series of okay main track works with a sharp move from the gate on August 4 for a barn which has caught fire over the last couple of weeks. - Mike Welsch
COURTESAN (#8, 3-1) The last two works have been sharp for Street Sense filly, held own with highly regarded 2yo Pure Sensation (2nd behind odds on Corfu in his bow) and again with the older, stakes caliber Longfor the City in her last work in preparation for today's debut. - Mike Welsch
BALANCE THE BOOKS (#5, 7/2) got in a useful prep for this closing gamely against the grain in paceless race, and this may be the last time to get acceptable odds on him if he's ready to jump forward from his strong 2yo form. - Mike Beer
SEA ISLAND (#2, 3-1) Screwy kind of pace set-up put this Phipps filly at a distinct disadvantage on opening weekend in the Shuvee, as she clearly does better work when relaxing just off the pace. Class-wise, she sure matches up with this brand, and with Lezcano getting her to tuck in behind more willing front-runners from their inside post, this could produce a far different (and more favorable) outcome today. – Marty McGee
CYTHEREAN (#5, 5-1) has a win here on the turf last year when he was close to the pace; think Lezcano may have this 4yo colt laying a little closer early vs this group with the stretchout than he's been in last few starts. - Chuck Kuehhas
BARZINI (#3, 4-1) makes his first start off the claim for trainer Mike Maker; he looks like the primary speed in the finale, and if he can shake loose and control the pace he should be tough to reel in under Castellano. – Kenny Peck
VULNERABLE FAVORITES
EA (#2, 7/5)
The 2-mile distance is the big equalizer, and EA has already won going this far, but he has to be a difficult proposition to take at anywhere near the ML odds based on current form. - Mike Beer
