Ralph Siraco’s selections for Thursday’s races at Santa Anita

Wednesday, April 17, 2002 | 9:08 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's horse racing column appears Monday and his Southern California selections run Tuesday-Sunday.

1st Race -- MY KAI - Draws good post for short straight dash opener, hustling Pedroza on owner Ward trainee, pop and go here. STAR NINE - Baze aboard Duncan trainee, needs to be quick from the blocks in 2-furlong run, rates a Nine on scale of ten. Value Play -- MS POWFUL

2nd Race -- MARINA MON - Draws rail post for another 2-furlong drag race, hustling Espinoza on Nor trainee, the start will tell the story on Mon diploma. ARIZONA BAY CAT - Training at Hollypark, Baze aboard O'Neill trainee, must be quick as a Cat in Arizona graduation south of the Bay in Golden State. Value Play -- RIO LISTO

3rd Race -- HONESTLY DARLING - Hot riding Desormeaux on hot trainer Frankel runner, draws good spot for turf mile, Honestly do you need anything more? RHIANA - Espinoza aboard Sadler trainee for owners Moss, draws rail post, should get a good trip here. Value Play -- SNOWFLAKE

4th Race -- A ONE ROCKET - Smith atop Sahadi trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in sprint maiden/claimer, graduate if he lives up to name. ROCK COD JOHNNY - Baze aboard this Headley trainee, been knocking on the diploma door, Johnny may Rock foes here. Value Play -- RIPPIN N ROARIN

5th Race -- ACE'S VALENTINE -- Delahoussaye aboard Gallagher trainee, draws good box for downhill starter allowance, Valentine set to be Ace's here. CHARLIES GOOD GIRL - Draws rail post here, Desormeaux atop Hendricks trainee, Charlies Girl may be Good win for backers. Value Play -- THE CANDI QUEEN

6th Race -- NICE FISH - Pincay astride one-of-two O'Neill-trained 'hidden entry', draws inner post for sprint claimer, Fish for Nice win here. BARTLEY - Draws good outside post, Desormeaux aboard Glatt trainee, should sit a good trip for best chance at victory. Value Play -- PRECIOSA

7th Race -- QUIANLONG - Training at Hollypark, Pincay on Mitchell trainee, packs solid closing kick and should get a chance to show it in this. SHARP PLAY - British-bred draws inner post for turf route feature, Flores aboard Vienna trainee, Play may be on the Sharp one. Value Play -- ALBATROS

8th Race -- METRO - P. Val on Sise trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw in route finale, adds blinkers for this. LAKE PERRIS RED - Desormeaux scales Dolan trainee, draws good post for maiden/claimer, Red could put backers back in black with graduation here. Value Play -- RUN DON'T DANCE