Ralph Siraco’s selections for Thursday’s races at Santa Anita

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999 | 10:15 a.m.

Thursday's card

1st Race -- Halo Romeo - Set pace and game for 2nd at a mile from outside post with P. Val. aboard in last, drops a level now and rider returns, another like last effort good enough to take this. Sweet for a Moment - 4th to top pick while claimed in last, won prior pair of outings at Del Mar while tagged in both, new trainer Spawr tabs new rider in Antley for this. Value Play -- Air Force Wins

2nd Race -- Roberto's Viz - Chased and second best in last, changes barns to Garcia shedrow, also gets significant rider change to P. Val. now, ready to graduate with these. J J La Rue - 1st time starter by Mr. Prospector offspring, solid works for this level, nice gate move on the 17th, Mandella trainee gets first time lasix and Pincay for debut. Value Play -- Pacific Sleet

3rd Race -- Dr. Aftergood - No threat at the fair in last, runner-up before that, 3rd three races back, 2 of 4 lifetime victories from 5 Anita starts, Antley takes over on Spawr trainee, good spot for action. Diamond Kris S - Off slowly and 3-wide move on the turn for close 2nd in last, runner-up while claimed sprinting before that, in the quinella in all three Anita starts with a win, Ramsammy stays. Value Play -- Sir Retsina

4th Race -- Knights Maggie - Off slowly and closed to just miss when 2nd by a head from rail post in last, won prior pair of outings, runner-up in debut four race back, consistent runner looks the one to beat here, Antley now. Afraidofrain - Dueled lead and weakened in route stakes at the fair in last, broke maiden sprinting at over same track before that, drops back for a tag here, should be a factor throughout with P. Val. now. Value Play -- Moving Memo

5th Race -- Rugger - Stalked and steadied when 3rd then placed 2nd through disqualification in last, nice 4th at twice this level three races back, pair of solid works since raced, P. Val. returns. Gone Courting - Dropped back early then came on again for 4th to more than split the field at this distance in last, 5-wide 5th when bled from the mouth in debut before that, hustling Pedroza returns. Value Play -- Handoff

6th Race -- Enter Smiling - 4-wide and weakened in last, 3rd while claimed before that, won at this level three races back, draws good post and hustling Pedroza returns, may Enter the winner circle Smiling after this. Rugged Rugosa - Tracked in 4th early and faded to 6th off two-month layoff in last, runner-up and won in prior pair of outings at Hastings Park before that, gets jockey switch to Blanc now, had tightener, beware. Value Play -- Sallys Pie

7th Race -- Excite - Finished first but disqualified to 7th down this hillside in last, close runner-up at 7-panels on the main before that with Blanc aboard who returns here, must negotiate rail post now, but, clean trip produces clean victory this time. Affirmed Miss - Another who closed gamely to win off-the-pace down the hill in last, broke maiden sprinting on Hollypark lawn four races back, Black takes over on Madella trainee, will make late impact. Value Play -- Sea of Ice

8th Race -- Spiritual Force - 1st time starter by Pirate's Bounty, has solid works with a pair of gate drills from most recent trio of moves, well placed and well drawn, Hendricks trainee gets first time lasix and hustling Pedroza for debut. Crescent Of Naskra - Stalked from inside and held 2nd in last, dueled lead from between foes and split field with debut 5th at Del Mar before that, P. Val. returns on Hess trainee, better post and race under girth now. Value Play -- Racing Rita