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

Friday, Aug. 17, 2001 | 5:23 a.m.

1st Race -- Prima Nocti - Solid run over the course in last, Pincay aboard Mandella trainee, should go well in turf mile opener. Venator - French-bred draws just inside top pick, McCarron astride for trainer Ellis, a factor throughout. Value Play -- Heisman

2nd Race -- Roam Free - Draws good outside post for sprint outing, Delahoussaye atop Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, solid connections. Miss American Mink - Hustling Espinoza sits Baffert trainee, draws good box, barn always dangerous in maiden races. Value Play -- Maud

3rd Race -- Go Go - Tough little filly well spotted here, Delahoussaye again on Stute trainee, she's all heart all the time. Kalookan Queen - Has provided some real good races to top filly, Solis again on Headley trainee, should be the main danger again. Value Play -- Warren's Whistle

4th Race -- Smart Chip - Part of Thoroughbred Corporation-owned and Baffert-trained coupled entry with Requesto, Flores here, Espinoza there, double threat. Timely Action - Smith scales Mandella trainee, draws good post, well bred runner shouldn't be a maiden too long. Value Play -- Siphonic

5th Race -- Skimming - Defending champion wired same in recent San Diego Handicap, should provide elusive target again, Gomez/Frankel/Juddmonte Farms. Futural - Hard luck hard knocker will certainly be in striking position, McCarron again on young Dollace trainee, someday this guy will even score. Value Play -- Captain Steve

6th Race -- Revenescent - Gomez on Frankel trainee, draws good post and spot here, sans blinkers for this trip, beware. Decision - Espinoza on Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, good post, always respect connections. Value Play -- Saint Julien

7th Race -- Hero's Welcome - Draws good post for mile outing, Delahoussaye on Hendricks trainee for owners Wygod, takes off blinkers for this. Battle God - Desormeaux on this Frankel trainee, draws good post for the trip, should be a factor here. Value Play -- Ben Saw San

8th Race -- Tates Creek - Desormeaux returns on Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, solid victory in last, repeat well within reach here. American Czarina - Nakatani aboard father-in-law Dollace trainee, draws good post for the turf mile, should get a good trip in this. Value Play -- Alinga

9th Race -- Dinnerathepalms - Pincay aboard Spawr trainee, draws good box for the full field in mile run, respect connections here. Ivegotuundermyskin - Draws good rail post, Desormeaux on Elllis trainee, this one could get under competition's skin with good trip. Value Play -- Slippery When Bet

10th Race -- Heritage Hall - Irish-bred draws good inner post for turf route finale, Smith atop Shirreffs trainee, should get catbird trip. Go - Draws just inside top pick, Almeida scales Carava trainee here, good spot for nightcap action. Value Play -- Rouen