Ralph Siraco’s Santa Anita selections

Thursday, Feb. 25, 1999 | 9:54 a.m.

FIRST RACE:

Apollogetic - Lost chance when broke in the air then steadied on Anita lawn in last, set pace then rider lost whip while 2nd at Golden Gate before that, gate-to-wire maiden breaker at this trip and track three races back, Ramsammy stays.

Ragin Reggie - Overmatched and outrun on Anita lawn in last, daylight maiden breaker at Hollypark before that, back in realistic claimer now, Black takes over on Mayberry trainee.

Value Play -- Talking About

2ND RACE:

Oso Chico - Broke through the starting gate and outrun in return in last, returns right back here with hustling bug boy taking over on beaten favorite, second time for a tag, give another chance.

Western Prince - Dueled lead and held game runner up in comeback effort while beating top pick in last, sharp drill since raced, draws rail and stretches a furlong now, bounce is a concern.

Value Play -- Magic Bullet

3RD RACE:

Her Reality - 4-wide and outfinished when 2nd at Bay Meadows in last, 5-wide runner up before that, broke maiden at this trip three races back, reunites with Eddie D. for this.

Smart Crack - Set pace and collared when 2nd while claimed in last, stalked, led and held to win before that, in the quinella 3 of 6 lifetime starts with a pair of victories, bug boy Valdez stays.

Value Play -- Song of Summer

4TH RACE:

Castleross - Blocked and waited twice in blanket finish in last, runner up at this trip and course in U. S. debut before that, continues working well, reunites with Stevens here.

Musgrave - Won U.S. debut on Del Mar lawn mid-August in last, freshened and solid worktab for return, good post, Solis back on McAnally trainee, proven winner off the shelf.

Value Play -- Crowned Kris

5TH RACE:

Ambusher - Set pace and tired late when 4th in last, pair of decent recent works since raced, should go right for the lead from outside slot, Nakatani takes over for theft try.

Jag G - Tracked early and distant 4th in last, wide and second best before that, stretches back to two-turns, good post and Desormeaux stays.

Value Play -- Prized Max

6TH RACE:

Soviet Nights - Wide trip and rallied for 3rd in last, 3 for 3 at this distance and 2 for 4 at Anita, jockey switch to Antley, drops a level, all systems go.

Two Tone Lindi - Vanned off the track when claimed late- December in last, in the quinella half of 34 lifetime starts with 9 victories, has bounced off-the-shelf with a win before, trainer West gets Valdivia for return.

Value Play -- La Rubie

7TH RACE:

Exbourne Free - 3-wide runner up at this trip and course in last, set pace and 2nd in Grade III dirt stakes before that, most recent bullet drill on the 21st since raced, Desormeaux/Frankel team.

Holywood Picture - Overmatched against Excellent Meeting in Grade I stakes in last, gamely won Grade III stakes while beating top pick before that, Holywood in this Picture.

Value Play -- Herb of Grace

8TH RACE:

Golden Genes - Wide early and split field at a mile in last, squeezed at the start and rallied wide when 2nd before that, steady works since raced, back sprinting and well placed to get diploma here.

Hushed - Stalked and second best while claimed from stable of top pick in last, outrun on the turf before that, 4th at higher level three races back, Blanc takes over for new connections.

Value Play -- Whittle