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

Friday, Aug. 9, 2002 | 9:29 a.m.

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

Saturday's card

1st Race -- ORANGE 'EM -- Draws good middle post for sprint opener, Nakatani aboard one-of-two Cerin-trained 'hidden entry', time for citrus graduation? SCHOONER -- Scratched out the other day for this spot, hustling Pedroza on Olivares trainee, sails in for diploma?

Value Play -- RULING MONARCH

2nd Race -- VOWEL PLAY -- Espinoza on Gallagher trainee, draws good post for route starter allowance, Vanna to supply the winning consonants? CALIFORNIA GOAL -- Solis atop Dutton trainee, draws alongside top pick here, Goal for California is seaside victory. Value Play -- SABRE TOOTH TIGER

3rd Race -- BURCHFIELD -- Solis astride Harty trainee for Godolphin Racing, Inc., draws good post for sprint distance, connections have well-bred stable. DOMESTIC DISPUTE -- Smith sits one-of-two Baffert-trained 'hidden entry', draws alongside top pick, barn loaded with talent for beach party. Value Play -- CANNON ONE

4th Race -- ROUWAKI -- P. Val scales Frankel trainee, must overcome outside post in turf route, respect connections with every runner. MEZZANINE MONEY -- Draws good inner box for maiden outing, Espinoza on Baffert trainee for owners Wygod, should get the trip here. Value Play -- ROYAL SKY

5th Race -- TOAST OF THE YEAR -- Espinoza aboard Ellis trainee, draws good post for sprint claimer, need only be Toast Of The day for backers here. SONG OF BERNADETTE -- Draws alongside top pick, Baze aboard O'Neill trainee, Bernadette could write the Song Of victory here. Value Play -- MY BABYCAKES

6th Race -- GOLDEN ARROW -- Draws good post for turf mile, Espinoza on Drysdale trainee, set to get catbird trip in this. GREENLAND -- Delahoussaye on one-of-two McAnally-trained 'hidden entry', must cover a lot of Greenland from outer post, backers go for green here? Value Play -- JUMP BAIL

7th Race -- RE ECHO -- Draws good spot in allowance sprint, Nakatani aboard Monteleone trainee for owner Lanni, rooting for Vegas connection victory. PRIVATE AVIATOR -- Desormeaux atop co-owner Hollendorfer trainee, draws good post for full field at dash distance, rider Aviator for backer's cashing. Value Play -- LUNA JOE

8th Race -- BUFFYTHECENTERFOLD -- Promising filly attracts new co-owner in Stronach Stables, Garcia back on Stute trainee, repeat within reach. DUTCHESS EBEN -- Solis scales Dominguez trainee, draws good post for short Grade II stakes dash, Dutchess to princess here? Value Play -- TRICKS HER

9th Race -- WINSTON CHI -- Training at Hollypark, Nakatani call number two for trainer Holmes, good spot for action on crowded greensward. MARTEL -- Draws good post for full field at turf mile, Delahoussaye number one call for trainer Gallagher, could get the trip in this. Value Play -- ALBATROS

10th Race -- JADE EXPRESS -- Delahoussaye sticks around to ride another Gallagher trainee, draws good box for short dash, Jade Express to winner circle? MY STARS -- P. Val on O'Neill trainee for maiden/claiming sprint, draws good middle post for full gate, Stars-struck nightcap cap and gown? Value Play -- SLIVER N SATIN