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

Friday, Dec. 29, 2000 | 10:16 a.m.

Saturday's card

1st Race -- Denied - Draws good rail post for route opener, Nakatani on Baffert horse, should get the trip here. Signore Pasquale - Espinoza aboard Lukas horse for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, first time nasal strip. Value Play -- Bully's North

2nd Race -- Go Natalie Go - Nakatani on this one-of-two 'hidden entry' Baffert trainees, draws outside post for the sprint distance, connections right. Belle Story - McCarron on Gonzalez runner for owners McCaffery & Toffan, should be in the mix throughout, another to respect connections. Value Play -- Spring Vacation

3rd Race -- Proud Tower - Cal-bred with credentials, draws good post, right distance, Espinoza fits this stakes-winner well. King La Boo - Draws good outside post for the 7-panel state-bred feature, Solis takes this Spawr horse, could be King for a day. Value Play -- Hail And Salute (1A-entry)

4th Race -- Lost In Paradise - Draws good post for full field in downhill outing, Espinoza aboard Dolan runner, should get a good trip. Friendly Wager - Desormeaux scales Eurton entry, another with good starting spot, should make late impact. Value Play -- Service Term

5th Race -- Jimmy Z - Tabbed in tough heat, Pincay now on McAnally horse, needs clean break and clear run from inner post at 7 panels. Tribunal - Colt of much promise returns to racing wars, Naktani on Baffert charge for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, may need a race. Value Play -- Very Caerleon

6th Race -- Ceesharp - Draws good post in full field of sprinting maiden claimers, Pedroza aboard Robbins runner, adds blinkers for this. Ol Charlie Boy - Solis astride Truman trainee, another that draws well, Boy could graduate to man here. Value Play -- Pacific Gold

7th Race -- Fonage - British-bred filly training at Hollypark, needs clear trip from inner post in full field down the hill, Espinoza on Frankel horse for Juddmonte Farms. Numerous Ambition - McCarron on Ellis runner for owner B. Wayne Hughes, draws inside top pick at the rail, also needs clear run. Value Play -- Bold Feat

8th Race -- Spain - Breeders' Cup Distaff winner lands likely spot here, winning team of Espinoza/Lukas/Thoroughbred Corporation, rail post at 7 furlongs only concern. Chilukki - Tough at this trip, Stevens scales Baffert horse for Stonerside Stables, should be in the mix throughout. Value Play -- Queenie Belle

9th Race -- Easy Song - McCarron on Gaines entry for Harris Farms partnership, draws good post for turf route finale, respect connections. Floriselli - Training at Hollypark, Espinoza on Frankel horse, good post, need honest pace for stretch-running style. Value Play -- Company Approval

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