Ralph Siraco’s selections for Sunday’s races

Monday, Aug. 12, 2002 | 9:34 a.m.

Sunday's card

First Race DIAMOND HOPE -- Solis astride Mandella trainee, draws good rail post in turf route opener, Diamond in the rough? NATIONAL PARK -- British-bred is one-of-two up for a tag in the field, Desormeaux on Hess trainee, jockey-trainer combo are potent pair. Value Play -- SPLENDID TIMES

Second Race ASHRAAF -- Flores scheduled to ride Harty trainee for owner Godolphin Racing, Inc., draws good box for maiden dash, stable has royally bred cast. SANTA CATARINA -- Smith astride Baffert trainee for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, needs prompt start from rail post, barn points newcomers for this seaside meet. Value Play -- ROUSING AGAIN

Third Race CANDITA -- Solis scales this McAnally trainee, draws good box for mile claimer, should be there all the way. MIDNITE MEETING -- P. Val on Machowsky trainee, draws good inner post for trip, a factor throughout. Value Play -- POTRA GIRL

Fourth Race MISTY ECHO -- Hustling Pedroza abaord main man Carava trainee, draws good post for the sprint distance, productive duo. ALWAYS LISA -- Draws outside box, struggling bug boy Krigger on Sahadi trainee, Lisa may be Always in contention here. Value Play -- RESPECTMYAUTHORITA

Fifth Race KACHAMANDI -- Promising Chilean-bred has been knocking on the door, jockey switch to Nakatani for trainer Abrams, we'll stay with this guy one more time. MORE MODERN -- P. Val on Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, one-of-four in the line-up in for a tag, must overcome outside post in turf mile. Value Play -- FIRST TITANIUM

Sixth Race CHASTITY BELLE -- Draws good post for allowance sprint, Nakatani on Sise trainee, dangerous jockey-trainer duo. OHFORCRAFTSAKES -- Pincay aboard Glatt trainee, draws good middle box here, a factor throughout in this. Value Play -- SUMMERWOOD

Seventh Race INDIAHOMA -- Hard knocking gelding draws good inner post for full field in mile turf claimer, Desormeaux stays on Hess trainee, solid contender in wide open heat. PRIZE GIVING -- British-bred ships down from Hollypark for this, draws alongside top pick, P. Val sits Van Berg trainee, like top pick--hard knocker. Value Play -- AZURE CIEL

Eighth Race AZERI -- Division leader lands good spot to continue reign, Smith again on De Seroux trainee for owner Allen Paulson Living Trust, one to beat. ADORATION -- Has decent shot if top one fails to fire, draws alongside big favorite, Gomeez on Hofmans trainee for the potential upset. Value Play -- QUEEN OF WILSHIRE

Ninth Race UNCHAIN THE STARS -- Solis again on Becerra trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in sprint maiden/claimer, Unchain diploma for The Stars of nightcap. SPORTZ BIZ -- Baze aboard Baffert trainee, draws inner post for finale, connections always need to be respected in these spots. Value Play -- JEWEL CASE