Ralph Siraco’s selections for Wednesday’s races at Hollywood Park

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1999 | 9:54 a.m.

Wednesday's races

1st Race -- The Wind Moria - Second when claimed at Oak Tree in last, close runner-up before that, steady works at Hollypark since, Nakatani takes over for return. Wacky Jacky - 5-wide, stalked and best of the rest 3rd off 6-month layoff in last, 3rd at same before that, easy daylight maiden breaker at first asking three races back, Desormeaux takes over on Hess-trained returnee. Value Play -- Slewreen

2nd Race -- Recicada - Pressed pace early and weakened in Grade II Anita stakes in needed outing in last, won restricted Del Mar grass stakes before that, Nakatani returns on Mandella trainee, fits here. Golden Arches - Has seen finer days but should be competitive here, in the money 13 of 24 lifetime turf starts with 4 wins, draws good rail post and gets 'Man of the Hour' Pincay back. Value Play -- West Side

3rd Race -- Morning Storm - Drops to claimer for return to races, best finish was a 2nd-place effort at Hollypark last year, steady works for 6-month comeback, could make history if rider Pincay needs the record here. Bay Fox - Crowded a bit at the start and distant debut 4th in last, nice recent work since raced on the 3rd, significant jockey change to Delahoussaye for this, expect improvement. Value Play -- Issues Falstaff

4th Race -- Annual Rainfall - Fifth from rail post first time routing in Cal-Cup event in last, broke maiden before that, bred to like turf, draws good post, Flores stays on Canani trainee. Russemira - 2-for-2 filly won starter allowance sprint in last after debut maiden breaker, stretches out now and is bred to also like the green, Pincay stays for threepeat and possible record-breaker as well. Value Play -- Inez

5th Race -- Notsosaintly - Dropped to this level and set pace when second best in last, in the quinella 6 of 15 lifetime starts with a trio of wins and 2 of 3 at this distance with a victory, Eddie D. returns to steal this. Marlwood - Brief speed from rail and weakened at 2 1/2 times this price in last, won at twice this price when claimed four races back, back to competitive level, Pincay stays as part of package. Value Play -- Rising Fire

6th Race -- Arta - Rank early then blocked and still rallied for debut 2nd over the course in last, draws better inside post here, Nakatani stays on Paulson runner, race experience now, clear trip produces diploma. Dolce Thundera - Late bid 3rd to top pick in last, 5-wide 4th before that, continues to improve with racing, Blanc stays on Drysdale trainee, makes third start on lawn, can graduate with right trip. Value Play -- Petite Triomphe

7th Race -- Call Me Soon - Made 3-wide bid and pulled away to win last, just missed when 2nd by a head at this distance before that, debut maiden breaker three races back, bullet drill on the 11/30 since raced, Gomez stays. Image of Glory - Gate-to-wire winner at these conditions, distance and track in last, 3rd in needed outing before that, both lifetime victories from just 3 Hollypark starts, Blanc exclusive. Value Play -- Squall Linda

8th Race -- Bright Victory - Steadied into lane and rallied from slow start for debut 2nd in last, draws outside post now, Black back on Matlow trainee, may have tipped graduation in last. Angel's Touch - Outrun in initial pair of lifetime outings, dropped to claimer and promptly improved to 4th in last, returns for a tag and takes off blinkers here, Delahoussaye says he'll try again. Value Play -- Writehof