Ralph Siraco’s selections for Friday’s races at Del Mar

Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001 | 10:40 a.m.

Friday's card

1st Race -- So Urgent -- Draws good rail post for turf mile opener, Smith aboard Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, gets the trip. French Minister -- Bred to love lawn, Stevens scales Drysdale trainee, should be in the mix for the money. Value Play -- Speak In Passing

2nd Race -- Fleet Foot -- Delahoussaye takes this Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, draws outside box for the sprint, wins if lives up to name. Ex Federali -- Speedster draws rail post, hustling Espinoza on Baffert trainee, has habit of getting caught on the money. Value Play -- Mr. Wonderful

3rd Race -- Love That Lion -- Draws good middle box for full field of claiming sprinters here, Pincay atop this Hess trainee, tab for Lion's share of proceeds. Rusty Spur -- Espinoza on Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, draws good spot, should be in the mix throughout. Value Play -- Ol Charlie Boy

4th Race -- High Margin -- Smith aboard Dollace trainee, draws outside box in small field going turf mile, good spot for action. Al Desima -- British-bred draws good post, Pincay sits Gallagher trainee, should get a good trip in this. Value Play -- Gleefully

5th Race -- Shingen Deputy -- Garcia takes Stute trainee, draws good box and adds blinkers to package for this, low percentage rider does well with this trainer. Fadi -- Draws just inside top pick, Nakatani astride Dutton trainee, jockey and trainer better than their Del Mar percentages indicate. Value Play -- Master Of The Sea

6th Race -- Fortifier -- Solis back on Garcia trainee, likes seaside oval, came flying to late in last, makes amends here. No Apollogee -- Pincay again on Spawr trainee, should be in the top flight throughout, might be hard to run down. Value Play -- Spanish Ranch

7th Race -- Mr. Freckles -- Stevens scales Harrington trainee here, stretched out and was right there on lawn in last, well spotted in turf mile feature. Macabe -- Draws good inner post here, McCarron on Lewis trainee, should get the catbird trip in this. Value Play -- I Love Silver

8th Race -- Lil Bit Spacey -- Part of Jory-trained coupled entry with Katen Amy, Pincay here, Smith there, double diploma threat in nightcap. Yolla Bolly -- Ships down from Anita for this, top jock Solis aboard Perdomo trainee, must overcome outside post in maiden--claimer route finale. Value Play -- Adorable Rose