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

Wednesday, July 21, 1999 | 9:06 a.m.

Thursday's card

1ST RACE

Seko - Dueled lead and outkicked while 3rd routing in last, set pace from the rail, rider lost whip and faltered first time routing in needed outing before that, draws good rail spot here, trainer batting 22 % with limited chances.

The Wicked Path - No late bid when 4th in last, game for 3rd before that, runner up at this distance four races back, reunites with Antley now, another that draws a good post, might trip out for diploma at the sea.

Value Play -- Sophia's Beau

2ND RACE

Ta Ta Be True - 4-wide 4th in state-bred stakes on Hollypark lawn in last, photo-finish runner up efforts in prior pair of outings, broke maiden over this course last year, Gomez stays, Ta Ta Be a horse-for-course?

Maureen's Hope - Returns to races after five-month layoff with steady works, in the quinella 6 of 9 lifetime turf starts with a maiden score, runner up in both career starts over this turf course, runs well fresh, beware.

Value Play -- Chine

3RD RACE

Coldwater Canyon - Stalked and second best with even debut effort in last, trio of nice works since, draws good outside post here, race experience now, Baffert/Flores combo.

Captain Steve - No rally and no threat from rail post in debut while outrun in last, recent pair of works encouraging with 2nd best of 13 on-the-day most recent move on the 16th, off the rail now, race experience, give another chance.

Value Play -- Seventeen Candles

4TH RACE

Baja Gold - Made 4-wide bid and weakened at higher level in last, set pace and held on to win at this level before that, speed and just missed when 2nd by a neck three races back, bug boy Radke takes over, better suited to steal this.

Magnificent Mark - Broke slow and 3rd at Pleasanton in last, won prior trio of races at lower level, in the quinella half of 8 starts at this distance, 2-for-5 at Del Mar, Gomez climbs back aboard here, will be rolling at the end.

Value Play -- Emigre

5TH RACE

Rouen - French import makes U. S. debut in opening day grass split stakes, 4-for-6 on homeland courses, trio of stateside works solid, broke maiden fresh, Pincay gets the call, needs a trip on this tricky layout.

Domination - Very game gate-to-wire Hollypark grass victory first time routing mid-May in last, freshened up with solid worktab with most recent trio of drills at 7-panels, McAnally trainee reunites with McCarron here, good rail post.

Value Play -- Digatreasure

6TH RACE

Soul Warrior - Returns to races from 14-month layoff, broke maiden at a mile on Anita main three races back in March '98, steady solid works, good post, Eddie D. gets the call for Canani returner, take a fresh face at the fresh meet.

Solarino - Off slow and split field on Hollypark turf in last, no threat in state-bred and restricted stakes in prior four outings, broke maiden routing before those, draws good rail post, reunites with winning rider Solis, fits better here.

Value Play -- Prestigious Chief

7TH RACE

Snowberg - Split foes and rallied for solid runner up effort off 8-week layoff in last, won at 7-panels before that, in the quinella 9 of 11 starts on fast dirt tracks with 5 victoires, 2nd in maiden outing in only career Del Mar start, McCarron takes over.

Kalookan Queen - Dueled lead and second best in Hollypark stakes off 9-week layoff in last, won 3 of 4 prior lifetime outings, sizzling drills since raced with a pair of bullet moves of most recent works, Solis vacates top pick to stay here for trainer Headley.

Value Play -- Brulay

8TH RACE

Mula Gula - Lacked late response to General Challenge in Affirmed 'Cap in last, solid runner up in California Derby before that, bullet Golden Gate drills continue since raced, Hollendorfer trainee returns south for turf debut, Solis again, beware of connections.

Perugino Bay - Irish import gamely won photo-finish in U. S. debut on Hollypark lawn in last, has a recent Del Mar work since raced, Desormeaux back on Vienna trainee, needs a good trip, Euro-bounce is only concern.

Value Play -- Perusing

9TH RACE

Plumazo - No late response with distant 4th in last, outrun while overmatched before that, 3rd three races back, solid runner up at twice this price four races back, drops to competitive level now, Desormeaux stays for money run.

Way the Best - Caught in dog fights in most recent trio of outings, 2nd by a head on Hollypark lawn in last, 2nd by a nose in game effort before that, game win by a nose while claimed three races back, a factor throughout again.

Value Play -- Cantbetouched