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

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002 | 9:37 a.m.

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

Thursday's card

1st Race -- ABAROUGE -- Hustling Espinoza on Harrington trainee, draws good post for short Cal-bred dash, sans blinkers for this. BUNCO SQUAD -- Training at Santa Anita, needs prompt start from rail post in maiden/claiming opener, Chavez atop owner-trainer Ward runner. Value Play -- BILLY C

2nd Race -- TRUCKLE FEATURE -- Draws rail post for route stretchout, Espinoza on Baffert trainee, adds blinkers for this outing. AIMEES PRIDE -- Draws good spot for allowance run, Valdivia on Marquez trainee for owners Anson, dangerous connections. Value Play -- PINE FOR JAVA

3rd Race -- FLAG LADY B -- Draws good middle post for sprint maiden/claimer, Espinoza on Sadler trainee for owner Oakcrest Stable, adds blinkers here. BREAKFAST AT T'S -- Valdivia atop LaCroix trainee, draws alongside top pick, a forward factor for diploma here. Value Play -- RUSSELLETTE

4th Race -- FATAL CAPER -- Smith back on Avila trainee, draws good post for long one-turn run, should get a good tracking trip in this. MYOFFICEWIFE -- Draws outside box for starter allowance, Valdivia on another Mrquez trainee for owners Anson, might be big day for connections. Value Play -- PAUL'S ACCOLADES

5th Race -- MAJESTERICAL -- Hustling Espinoza aboard co-owner Harrington trainee, draws good outside post for sprint claimer, well spotted here. FACE -- Underrated Martinez sits one-of-two O'Neill-trained 'hidden entry', sans blinkers for this, jockey-trainer team have been productive pair. Value Play -- MIREK

6th Race -- BRITEMAN -- Flores aboard Gallagher trainee, draws good post for starter allowance route, should get catbird trip here. LAKE RAY -- Training at Santa Anita, Chavez scales Ward trainee, adds blinkers for speed from outer post. Value Play -- GHOST MEMO

7th Race -- ALL THE GEARS -- Hustling Espinoza on Shirreffs trainee for owner Thoroughbred Coproration, well spotted in turf feature, likes this course. ADMINNIESTRATOR -- Draws just outside top pick for allowance/claimer, Flores on Gallagher trainee, needs crafty journey for the mile trip. Value Play -- LONG GONE CON

8th Race -- QUICK NIP -- Draws good inner post for route fianle, P. Val aboard Mitchell trainee, well spotted for getaway victory. BELONGSTOSPEED -- Training at Santa Anita, Flores on Ellis trainee, needs to overcome outside post in nightcap claimer. Value Play -- MAGICAL NATURE