Ralph Siraco’s selections for Santa Anita

Thursday, March 25, 1999 | 8:49 a.m.

Friday's card

1ST RACE:

Half Queen - Battled pace from rail post and gamely held debut 2nd in last, trio of works since raced, gets off rail and switches to turf down the hill, Black returns on Mandella trainee.

Doremifasolasido - Four wide distant debut 3rd in last, bullet drill since raced, tries downhill lawn now, hustling Espinoza takes over for Dubai-bound Solis on Hofmans trainee.

Value Play -- Tapioca

2ND RACE:

Goldfame - Improved position to 4th in last, strong late surge to win photo-finish at a mile before that, 5-wide 3rd in U.S. debut three races back, back at best distance but must overcome outside post.

Avenueofthestars - Bobbled at the break and recovered to win by daylight at this trip in last, 2 of 3 lifetime starts at this distance, steps up a level off the win, Antley returns for repeat try.

Value Play -- Lucky Leprechaun

3RD RACE:

Contessa Luso - Distant debut runner-up in last, nice work since raced, Gomez returns on young trainer Dollace charge, had race, ready to graduate.

Dreamer's Serenade - Early foot and weakened in last, off slow and no threat before that, most recent pair of decent works since raced, Antley takes over on Hendricks trainee, good spot for diploma action.

Value Play -- Variety Bell

4TH RACE:

Galaxia - Runner-up from rail post sprinting in last, game close 2nd by a neck down the hill before that, in the quinella 6 of 9 lifetime starts, Pincay returns, freshened and ready.

Torrey Pines - Made bid, led and outfinished when 4th at a mile on this course in last, no factor in comeback outing before that, reunites with winning rider Nakatani for trainer Mandella here, third start since layoff.

Value Play -- Valdastar

5TH RACE:

Bolgers Hostage - Steadied in upper stretch and rallied for debut runner up from outside post in last, gets lasix and inner post now, race experience, Desormeaux returns.

Renkant - Squeezed after the start and rallied from back of the pack for debut 2nd in last, had bullet gate drill, Puglisi stays to try again, prompt start may produce diploma here.

Value Play-- Golden Genes

6TH RACE:

Power Game - Closed gamely and just up to win by a head while claimed in last, late bid runner up before that, claimed in three of most recent four starts, Nakatani stays for new trainer Stute, may be quick return on investment.

Under a Lucky Star - Returns to races with most recent Bay Meadows bullet drill, in the quinella 6 of 10 starts on fast dirt tracks with 4 wins, ventures to southland to resume racing, Valdivia gets the call.

Value Play -- Whizbyou

7TH RACE:

Rail Man - Scratched out Thursday for this spot, strong wide rally to win comeback outing in last, steady works since raced, 2-for-4 lifetime, Sorenson exclusive on Hofmans trainee, looks to repeat on the stretchout here.

Lucky Sandman - Late outside rally for close 3rd in last, 6-wide rally for closer runner up before that, Cerin trainee reunites with Flores here, will make late impact.

Value Play -- One Hundred Slews

8TH RACE:

Chosen Prize - Late rally for 3rd sprinting in comeback outing in last, solid works since raced with bullet 7-panel drill on the 17th, competitve at higher level maiden ranks last year, returns for a tag, ready for diploma now.

Major Victory - Dueled lead and weakened while overmatched on the lawn in last, outrun while overmatched in prior four lifetime starts, drops to claimer now, Flores stays on Frankel trainee, fits here.

Value Play -- Surpassing