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

Wednesday, July 25, 2001 | 11:25 a.m.

Thursday's card

1st Race -- Ninebanks -- McCarron scales Gonzalez trainee for owners McCaffery & Toffan, draws good post for mile opener, should get the winning trip here. Liquind Asset -- Baze takes this Kruljac trainee, must overcome outside post here, first turn trip will tell the tale. Value Play -- Amber Sky

2nd Race -- Short On Funds -- Draws good post for full field of babies in short sprint dash, Solis atop Dutton trainee, graduation will provide return on Funds here. Corissa's Birthday -- Draws just inside top pick, trainer Carava goes for main man Pedroza here, many agles to like with this team. Value Play -- Ultimate Prize

3rd Race -- Swordfish -- Talented runner returns here, Flores again on Lewis trainee, might be ready enough in this spot. Swedish Sights -- Pincay tabbed on this Hollendorfer trainee, draws good post, respected trainer hails living legend is enough here. Value Play -- Apalachee's Native

4th Race -- She's Grand -- Draws good rail post for full field of claiming gals in turf route, McCarron aboard Sahadi trainee, She's set for a Grand trip. Up At The Top -- Irish-bred also draws good box, Stevens astride Mitchell trainee, should be near the top of the leader board. Value Play -- Thunder Star

5th Race -- Re Echo -- Trainer Harrington also owns this one, tabs Stevens to ride, draws good outside post for the maiden-claiming sprint, today? Lucky Mister K -- Hustling Espinoza aboard one-of-two Baffert-trained 'hidden entry' here, adds blinkers for this, rider-trainer combo off to hot start. Value Play -- Musical Chairs

6th Race -- Fire Breath -- Baze scales Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, team is tough. Jed's Knight -- Draws good post for the sprint claimer, Delahoussaye stays on Dominguez trainee, good spot for action. Value Play -- Ms. Twining

7th Race -- Tanaasa -- Irish-bred lands good spot in turf route feature, Flores on this one-of-two Drysdale-trained 'hidden entry', set to run a good one. Quianlong -- Pincay aboard Frankel trainee, one of only two in the field held for six-figure claiming tag, tough horse from tough team. Value Play -- Lily's Lad

8th Race -- Bonus Money -- Hustling Pedroza on Carava trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, draws good post in maiden-claiming nightcap, adds blinkers for this. Thinkin Problem -- Draws alongside top pick, Baze sits Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, respect connections for finale graduation. Value Play -- Paka Tah