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

Wednesday, March 8, 2000 | 9:30 a.m.

Thursday's races

1st Race -- Ditka - One of a pair of Baffert-trained 'hidden entry' here, Flores ops for this one, adds blinkers for this outing. Gator In Excess - Other part of Baffert-trained 'hidden entry', draws outside post for the sprint, Antley aboard Pegram-owned charge. Value Play -- Brite Nite

2nd Race -- Navy Brass - Gregson trainee gets McCarron aboard, draws good middle post for the mile turf outing, should get good position to run from. Waimea Bay - Nakatani scales Gallagher trainee for owner Hubbard, adds blinkers for this, should be forwardly placed to pounce. Value Play -- Herbacious

3rd Race -- Point Break - Pincay on Hess trainee, needs clean trip from rail post at this sprint distance, should be in forward position, a factor. Calista Rose - Trainer Mitchell legs up new arrival Bravo here, draws right outside top pick in hole two, might follow jet stream. Value Play -- Whittle

4th Race -- Continental Cargo - Draws well for the 7-panel run, Desormeaux on Hess trainee, should leave maiden ranks here. Soaring Victory - Nakatani scales for trainer Sise, draws right outside top pick, name may imply outcome of race. Value Play -- Execss Cash

5th Race -- Generous Gift - Trainer Vienna tabs Nakatani here, draws well for the turf tour, should sit in striking position then pounce to win. Neki - Another that hails from the Paulson stable, Espinoza aboard for trainer Bray, should appreciate the trip. Value Play -- Take A Left

6th Race -- From Rail To Jail - Gomez aboard Carava trainee here, draws well for the spirnt distance, serves time from non-rail here. Denamax - Draws outside post for this, Desormeaux on Cerin trainee, should size up field early and could trip out here. Value Play -- Tuta Niche

7th Race -- Camiring - French-bred loves the lawn, Gomez employed by trainer Hofmans to negotiate bad outside post, first turn trip tells the tale. Lazy Slusan - Draws better post than top pick here, hustling Puglisi up for trainer Machowsky, needs a trip in crowded feature. Value Play -- Luminous Prize

8th Race -- Shotsfired - Hustling Espinoza on Dominguez trainee, sits with good post, takes blinkers off for this, all systems go for graduation. Wild Till Dawn - Newcomer Bravo tabbed by trainer Garcia for this, draws good outside post for long run down backside at 7-panels, maiden-breaker for both? Value Play ---- Sonny Sal