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

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002 | 9:10 a.m.

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

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- DESERT DRAMA -- Delahoussaye atop young Canani trainee for owners Wygod, daws good post for turf mile opener, Desert victory at the beach. COSUMMATECONSUMER -- Draws alongside top pick, Nakatani on Sahadi trainee, lands good chance to graduate in Cal-bred maiden outing. Value Play -- SHEZA GLADIATOR

2nd Race -- VINO CLASSICO -- Espinoza on Sadler trainee for owner Oakcrest Stable, draws good post for maiden sprint, Vino toast for Classico graduation. CATABATIC WIND -- Draws alongside top pick in Cal-bred outing, Pincay on Spawr trainee, adds blinkers for this. Value Play -- SLEW'S POT OF GOLD

3rd Race -- CODY STEELE -- Draws good box for turf mile, Pincay on Gallagher trainee, should get the catbird trip in this. CLASSIC CHRYS -- Nakatani sits owner Chapman trainee, draws rail post for starter allowance outing, a factor throughout. Value Play -- ASONG FOR BILLY

4th Race -- CHAMP'S GOLD -- Solis scales co-owner Dutton trainee, draws outer box for full field of maiden/claiming sprinters, Gold for backers is Champ's diploma. STUCK IN CANADA -- P. Val on Carava trainee, Canada is Stuck In the outside post here, Canada looks for graduation in Southern California. Value Play -- ANNIE'S WINNER

5th Race -- SABRE TOOTH TIGER -- Desormeaux on Lewis trainee, draws good inner post for turf mile, Tiger with teeth or toothless loser? VOWEL PLAY -- Draws good box for starter allowance, hustling Espinoza aboard Gallagher trainee, buy me a winna Vowel Vanna? Value Play -- SPEND SPEND SPEND

6th Race -- MADAME PIETRA -- Delahoussaye aboard Zucker trainee, draws good box for allowance/claimer, rider should ration speed to be dangerous here. SONG OF SUMMER -- Solis scales young Dollace trainee, needs crafty trip from rail post in sprint outing, Summer victory tune for Song at Del Mar? Value Play -- PONCHE DE LEONA

7th Race -- VINDICATION -- Striking looking prospect posted impressive debut maiden victory at Del Mar in last, one-of-four Baffert-trained entries for Grade III stakes, Smith returns. ICECOLDBEERATREDS -- Another of four Baffert-trained horses here, Flores on owner Pegram colt, speed from rail in sprint stakes, Baffert sweep not without chance. Value Play -- KAFWAIN

8th Race -- OURFIRSTATTRACTION -- P. Val aboard Machowsky trainee, needs prompt start from inner post in full field of nightcap sprinters, adds blinkers here. LUCKY IN LOVE -- Draws good box for maiden/claimer, Solis astride Headley trainee, Love may be Lucky In finale for diploma here. Value Play -- VALLEY FEVER