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

Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2001 | 10:26 a.m.

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- Naughty Nacho -- Espinoza atop Baffert trainee, draws good spot for mile opener, Naughty may Nacho another victory for team at seaside. Vaca Gold -- Smith aboard Sumja trainee, must overcome outside post, rider heating up and trainer is solid Northern California--based conditioner. Value Play -- Codger

2nd Race -- Smoke And Ice -- Draws good outside post for full field of maiden--claimers sprinting here, Smith takes Sherman trainee, adds blinkers for this. Tizmania -- Espinoza astride Hines trainee, draws good box for this, should be a forward factor for diploma here. Value Play -- Fresh Victor

3rd Race -- Hollycombe -- Ships down from Santa Anita for this, McCarron atop Gonzalez trainee for owner Toffan, well spotted and adds blinkers here. Stormy Jack -- Scratched from weekend sprint stakes for this spot, Espinoza on this one--of--two Baffert--trained 'hidden entry', makes late impact. Value Play -- National Saint

4th Race -- De Witt -- Lands good spot and draws good post for sprint claimer, trainer Glatt sticks with cold rider Desormeaux here, confidence-builder victory? Sample Copy -- Espinoza aboard Dominguez trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, draws good outside post, sans blinkers for this. Value Play -- Big Al T

5th Race -- Double Cat -- Stevens astride Drysdale trainee, draws good box for the turf route, respect connections for diploma grabber. Dadslittlemaria -- Draws good post, Pincay scales Gallagher trainee, good spot for graudation action here. Value Play -- La Jolla Shores

6th Race -- Call Me Again -- Flores scales Shirreffs trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, well placed. Laser Con -- Draws alongside top pick, McCarron aboard Dutrow, Jr. trainee, should follow top pick trip here. Value Play -- Sure Man

7th Race -- Officer -- Part of powerful potent Thoroughbred Corporation-owned and Baffert-trained coupled entry with Ecstatic, Espinoza here, Stevens there, done deal. Essence Of Dubai -- Promising colt faces pair of buzzsaws, Solis on Harty trainee for owner Godolphin Racing, Inc., waits for top pair to falter. Value Play -- Metatron

8th Race -- Jinistry -- This filly keeps getting into switches, Berrio stays on Stute trainee, hope is for a clean trip and a closing kick for graduation, one more time. Hale Ole -- Baze aboard Sadler trainee, draws good outside post, connections are always dangerous for maiden--claiming diploma run. Value Play -- Note Of Integrity