Ralph Siraco’s selections for Wednesday’s races at Hollywood Park

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002 | 9:19 a.m.

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

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- COMMANDER'S FLAG -- Solis astride Headley trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in sprint opener, a go? MACKELWANE -- Espinoza on Shirreffs trainee for Cal-bred maiden outing, draws good box, adds blinkers for this graduation try. Value Play -- MONEYWASTER

2nd Race -- SECRET APPROVAL -- Training at Santa Anita, Flores atop Hendricks trainee, backers Approval for allowance victory no Secret here. KEEPERS HILL -- Irish-bred draws rail post for turf dash, Nakatani on Frankel trainee, connections always dangerous. Value Play -- GRANT MARY A WISH

3rd Race -- MARK OF A WARRIOR -- P. Val on one-of-two Van Berg-trained 'hidden entry', draws good box for 7-panel maiden/claimer, Mark of maiden no more? ALL IN FAVOR -- Training at Santa Anita, Flores aboard Vienna trainee, his backers are All In Favor of diploma here. Value Play -- SMOKIN BULL

4th Race -- MIREK -- P. Val on O'Neill trainee, draws good post for sprint claimer, sans blinkers for this outing. BOLD AIRMAN -- Training at Santa Anita, hustling Pedroza on Cassidy trainee, a factor throughout at this level. Value Play -- TIN AND TONIC

5th Race -- SAUCY CAT -- Draws good spot in turf marathon, Espinoza aboard young Mandella trainee, fits the trip and conditions. RED WING EVAN -- Smith astride Ellis trainee for owner Hughes, draws alongside top pick, good spot for action. Value Play -- LEPRECHAUN KID

6th Race -- OBERMEISTER -- Draws good box for sprint claimer, Puglisi aboard Aguirre trainee, jockey-trainer combo a cagey pair. TIOGA LAKE -- Hustling Espinoza on Harrington trainee, draws alongside top pick, a factor throughout. Value Play -- WINDSCORE

7th Race -- ECSTATIC -- P. Val gets chance on Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, draws good spot for turf dash, fits this mix throughout. JENTZEN -- Nakatani atop Gallagher trainee, needs crafty trip from inner post for allowance/claiming feature, could take the short way home. Value Play -- WITH IRIS

8th Race -- MISS LUCKY MOLAR -- Draws good outer post in full field of maiden/claimers, P. Val atop Mullins trainee for owner Englander, Lucky diploma? ALEGRITA -- Pincay aboard Sadler trainee for owner Granja Vista Del Rio Stable, draws inner post for Cal-bred sprint, nightcap Ale-graduation-rita? Value Play -- GO TIFF GO