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

Thursday, Aug. 16, 2001 | 9:28 a.m.

Friday's card

1st Race -- Jeweled Slew -- Smith scales Dutton trainee, draws good post for short baby race, connections are right for these conditions. Moneymakinmamma -- Baze aboard Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, draws the outside box, must be prompt from the blocks here. Value Play -- Toby's Baby

2nd Race -- Prairie Swinger -- Gomez climbs on this Carava trainee, draws outside post in full field of claiming sprinters here, wide open heat. Kick Sand -- Connections are solid here, Valdivia having banner meet, young trainer Canani for nation's leading owner Englander, why not? Value Play -- Tower Full

3rd Race -- Top of Our Game -- Flores scales Gaines trainee for owner Harris Farms, Inc., should get the catbird trip in this, solid connections with solid choice. Pretty Eyes -- Draws good rail post for turf mile, hustling Espinoza on Shirreffs trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, makes late impact. Value Play -- Louve Mysterieuse

4th Race -- Lil Bit Spacey -- Smith astride Jory trainee, draws good post for full field of maiden-claimers at a mile, all she may need is a-Lil-Bit-of-Space-y. Estar de Prisa -- Draws alongside top pick, Baze aboard Moreno trainee for owner Granja Vista Del Rio Stable, good spot for diploma try. Value Play -- Double Gallant

5th Race -- Martel -- Eddie D. on Gallagher trainee, should enjoy the way race sets up for his style, needs crafty trip from rail post a sprint distance. Mateka -- French-bred draws outside box, top jock Solis takes Paasch trainee, deserves long look here. Value Play -- Impressive Grades

6th Race -- Choice Connection -- Draws good middle post for full field in maiden-claimer sprint, Pincay/Spawr team, Connection has Choice combo. Paka Tah -- Smith astride Lewis trainee, draws good box here, don't know what name means but it may spell graduation in this. Value Play -- Banquero

7th Race -- Auction House -- Combination of owner Juddmonte Farms and trainer Bobby Frankel are in purple haze lately, team setting up for blockbuster weekend. Sarafan -- Draws good post for turf route feature, hustling Espinoza on Drysdale trainee here, should get the trip to be a factor. Value Play -- Lonesome Dude

8th Race -- Kitty's Choice -- Smith on Mitchell trainee, well spotted in claimer finale, major obstacle is overcoming outside post, should get square price from box draw. Elevator Gail -- Draws good inner post for mile nightcap, Nakatani atop Han trainee, a good ground saving trip may be all required to win this. Value Play -- Pivotal