Ralph Siraco’s selections for Thursday’s races at Del Mar

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 1999 | 9:23 a.m.

Thursday's card

1ST RACE

Sea Twister - Dueled for the lead and weakened to 5th sprinting on Hollypark lawn off a year layoff in last, showed speed to better last year while finishing 2nd twice, back to main, had race, beware. Sizzling Summer - Appropriately named, been sizzling this summer, sitting on a two-race gate-to-wire win streak, claimed from trainer Hollendorfer to Mitchell in last, Solis stays, certain to be the target here for hat trick try. Value Play -- Musical Sweep

2ND RACE

Corwyn Belle - Nice runner-up effort from outside post in last, dueled lead from between horses and 4th before that, steadied when 2nd three races back, this one is due for a winning trip, Desormeaux/Hess combo. Avenida La Cresta - Dueled lead and held game 2nd in last, wide and outrun in debut before that, nice works since raced with bullet drill on the 12th, McCarron stays on Gregson trainee, bounce is only concern. Value Play -- Amber's Cup

3RD RACE

Abby Girl - Stalked from inside post, in tight then scooted clear to win drawing away in debut on Hollypark lawn in last, steady works since raced with most recent pair over this track that includes sizzling 6-panels from the gate on the 19th, one to beat. Color My Heart - Cleared early in gate-to-wire maiden breaker as the favorite in last, 4th to top pick in grass sprint before that, should set the pace in this, Pedroza back on Chapman trainee, may be elusive target? Value Play -- Desert End

4TH RACE

Erin's Reb - Dueled lead on rail and weakened in last, set pace from inside post and second best in debut when in for a tag before that, drops back to claimer now, Flores stays on Lewis trainee, good post to wire field for diploma. Rita Runaway - Interesting situation, dueled lead and weakened to 4th in debut while claimed by trainer Matlow two races back, outrun and no threat while reclaimed by original trainer Mitchell for new owners in last, Gomez takes over, hmmmm. Value Play -- Batoness

5TH RACE

Order a Dance - Stalked 3 wide from outside post and faded in last, 5-wide and closing 4th before that, was competitive at this level in several outings early this year, returns to main track now, good spot for action. Axtec - Decent 4th off six week layoff sprinting on Hollypark lawn in last, 3rd at this level sprinting on dirt before that, drops back to competitive level now, stretches out again, Pincay says he'll ride for cold trainer Gallagher here. Value Play -- Soviet Sally

6TH RACE

Penny Blues - Chased and outrun in debut at Special Weight conditions in last, pair of nice works over the track since raced, drops to claimer for this, Nakatani stays on Gregson trainee, expect improvement at this level here. Mexican Connection - Stalked pace early from outside post and weakened in debut also at Special Weight conditions in last, another with a pair of nice works over the track since raced and another that drops to claimer now, Solis takes over for this. Value Play -- Exchanging Glances

7TH RACE

I B a Miracle - Tracked then loomed up while second best at longer distance in last, rallied to win before that, runner-up on the main three races back, 2-for-3 at this trip, Solis stays, I B a factor throughout. Golden Glimmer - Outrun in good allowance race in last, off slow and 5th at same before that, split field while 4th three races back, now steps into optional claimer conditions, Antley takes over on Canani trainee, well placed here. Value Play -- Speaking of Time

8TH RACE

Stefandrew - First-time starter by Skywalker, series of good works with most recent move from the gate on the 23rd, gets good post, well placed, trainer Sahadi tabs McCarron for debut. Peak At This - First-time starter by Hollywood Reporter, decent works with a pair of nice drills on 7/28 and most recently from the gate on the 22nd on the worktab, Ramsammy tabbed by trainer Pinfield for debut. Value Play -- Halo Ryan