Ralph Siraco’s selections for Thursday’s races at Hollywood Park

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001 | 9:43 a.m.

Thursday's card

1st Race -- Patio Boy -- Draws good spot for route opener, Desormeaux sits Mitchell trainee, Patio Boy to winners circle man. Buzzword -- Baze aboard Baffert trainee for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, draws good inner post, should be a factor throughout. Value Play -- Sullivan's Travels

2nd Race -- Buffalo -- Training at Santa Anita, Valdivia atop young Canani trainee, fits fine for diploma in maiden--claiming route. Flying Seamaid -- Another that ships across town for this, hustling Espinoza on Bernstein trainee, might be appropriately named. Value Play -- Magical Colony

3rd Race -- Road To Kisses -- Training at Santa Anita, Pedroza aboard main man Carava trainee, Road for Kisses may be To winners circle. Bright Sunday -- Smith atop Spawr trainee while Pincay sits out suspension, draws alongside top pick, well spotted in route claimer. Value Play -- For The Record

4th Race -- Western Stranger -- Solis scales Paasch trainee, needs a crafty trip from outer post in turf mile, Solis is no Stranger to Western winners circle. Four Checker -- Ships down from Golden Gate Fields for this, Gomez takes Oviedo trainee, we'll give the new face a shot here. Value Play -- Kith

5th Race -- Strive -- Delahoussaye atop this Baffert trainee for owners Wygod, draws good spot in straight maiden route, cut from nice cloth. Diamond Hope -- Smith astride Mandella trainee, draws good post here, another that has solid bottom for bright future, future starts today? Value Play -- Academy Spy

6th Race -- Neotorque -- Hustling Espinoza atop Hess trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in full field for short turf dash, good spot for action. Weatherbug -- Solis scales Aguirre trainee, needs a crafty trip in this capacity group, has the style for this kind of trip. Value Play -- Woking

7th Race -- Kinetic Bend -- One of two in small field of five training at 'Anita, Flores aboard Mayberry trainee, pick here in allowance--caliming feature. Expressionist -- Smith sits Mandella trainee, needs quick start from rail post at sprint distance, should be a factor throughout from the wood here. Value Play -- Jekll And Hyde

8th Race -- Guns A Blazen -- Rollins returns on Schvaneveldt trainee, draws good post for pace style, has lived up to name now must finish the course. Earth Pleasure -- Draws alongside top pick, Solis on Dutton trainee, Earth will provide Pleasure to backers with maiden--claiming graduation here. Value Play -- Shingen Deputy