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

Thursday, March 30, 2000 | 9:29 a.m.

Friday's races

1st Race -- Meditative - Training at Hollypark, connections have limited chances, should hustle for the win. Elevator Gail - Draws good inside post for the route run, Solis aboard Sadler trainee, dons nasal strip. Value Play -- Landau

2nd Race -- Mantilla - Draws well for the sprint, Nakatani up for trainer Inda, good spot. Viridian City - Desormeaux/Hess combo, draws good post, should give a good account here. Value Play -- Coy Spirit

3rd Race -- Placerita - Draws outside post for downhill run, Nakatani rides for trainer Lukas on Bob & Beverly Lewis filly, respect connections. Sweet Defense - Part of Dutton-trained coupling with Wink N' A Drink, entrymates draw side-by-side with middle posts, two-for-one proposition. Value Play -- Annie Lil

4th Race -- Western Reply - Ships from training at Golden Gate for this, draws good post for the mile, attracts McCarron for southland run. Control Freak - Training at Hollypark, Pincay scales Mettee trainee, should be well-placed for good run. Value Play -- Music Daze

5th Race -- Tera Kitty - Pincay again on Jory trainee, fits this heat well, adds nasal strip, good spot. Follow The Money - Should follow top pick for spot into first turn, McCarron aboard Hofmans trainee, money combo. Value Play -- Marie De Bayeux

6th Race -- Esconce - Hustling Espinoza on Dolan trainee, draws good post, should get a good trip in this. Calista Rose - Pincay aboard Mitchell trainee, fits this spot well, respect solid connections. Value Play -- Alaska Slew

7th Race -- Straight Man - Promising runner returns here at good distance, needs a clean trip from inner post at 7 panels, Flores/Baffert team. Timber Baron - Former stablemate of top pick, Delahoussaye winds up here for trainer Inda, good post to size up competition. Value Play -- Patience Game

8th Race -- Adminniestrator - Puglisi aboard Sahadi trainee, owned by Sahadi family member, reunion picture in winners circle? Honor B.C. - Training at Hollypark, Nakatani along on Young trainee, lasix and nasal strip in package. Value Play -- Russian Cichlid