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

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002 | 8:43 a.m.

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

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- DREAM DAY -- Espinoza atop Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, must overcome outside post in mile opener, Dream of graduation Day? CRAFTY 'N SMOOTH -- Draws good inner post for maiden/claimer, Pincay aboard Knapp trainee, Crafty trip 'N Smooth diploma here. Value Play -- CLASSIC CHATTER

2nd Race -- MACHO IMAGE -- Espinoza aboard another Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, draws good box for this dash, adds blinkers for this. MESSY BUSINESS -- This 'other hidden entry' Baffert trainee gets Smith astride for owner Pegram, needs prompt start from rail post, Baffert quinella? Value Play -- MR JOE B

3rd Race -- CAT BLADE -- One of three Brazilian-breds in the field, P. Val on Machowsky trainee, draws well for route claimer. LOST IN PARADISE -- Solis sits this Spawr trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw, backers hope he's not Lost In seaside Paradise. Value Play -- RAYPOUR

4th Race -- FLEETING TERM -- Draws good post for full field of sprint claimers, Pincay aboard this Spawr trainee for owners Craig, solid connections. HAMMER IT HOME -- Baze aboard Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, needs to be quick from the blocks at rail post, team good to Hammer It Home. Value Play -- WATER SPORTS

5th Race -- SANDPIT'S DELIGHT -- Draws good box for mile claimer, Delahoussaye on Glatt trainee, Sandpit's performance may be Delight to backers. SEAMSTRESS -- Irish-bred draws good inner post, hustling Pedroza on Cassidy trainee, filly may sew up this cast. Value Play -- POLY OLE

6th Race -- BLIND AMBITION -- Solid filly draws decent post for mile allowance/claimer, Delahoussaye on Gaines trainee, the pick in tough heat. FRANKIE EYELASHES -- Daws good inner post for Cal-bred outing, Pincay atop Eurton trainee, jockey-trainer team productive duo. Value Play -- FREEDOM MEETING

7th Race -- L'EMERAUDE -- French-bred filly is one of two Frankel-trained entries, Desormeaux tabbed here, needs crafty trip from post draw on tight turf. HONESTLY DARLING -- This 'other' Frankel trainee has Pincay riding, draws good inner post for turf route stakes, might get Darling of a trip---Honestly. Value Play -- NOCHES DE ROSA

8th Race -- MR. MACHINE -- Draws good box for full field of maiden/claiming youngsters at dash distance, Solis scales Sise trainee, adds blinkers for this. BLUE SETI -- Delahoussaye sticks around to ride here for trainer Hendricks, draws good box, graduation may Seti on Blue background. Value Play -- WEEKEND POW WOW