Ralph Siraco’s selections for Friday’s races at Santa Anita

Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002 | 9:11 a.m.

Friday's card

1st Race -- SHEZA GLADIATOR -- Flores atop Jackson trainee, draws good post for sprint opener, well spotted for claiming level. PERFECT WOMAN -- Hustling Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, needs prompt start and clear path from rail post, Woman with Perfect trip wins? Value Play -- BEST CARD

2nd Race -- WAGON TRAIN -- Draws good middle box for 7-panel maiden outing, Solis scales Dominguez trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, right connections. ICY SKIES -- Desormeaux aboard Vienna trainee, draws good post for Cal-bred outing, could skate to maiden win here. Value Play -- MACKELWANE

3rd Race -- RISTRA -- Scratched recently at Hollypark for this spot, Desormeaux on de Seroux trainee, should love the trip. FUN HOUSE -- Solis scales McAnally trainee for estate of VHW Stables, needs crafty trip from inner post on downhill course, Fun run for House? Value Play -- ANY FOR LOVE

4th Race -- MEMOFERU -- Solis astride Hendricks trainee, draws interesting post for Cal-bred mile, Memo-fer-backers may be note to cash at windows. BECKHAM -- Training at Hollypark, Flores atop Gallagher trainee for maiden/claimer, may be Beck-ham for diploma. Value Play -- MONEYWASTER

5th Race -- CLOUD JUMPER -- New face Lovato atop Hendricks trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw at mile outing, Cloud to Jumper up with another win? CONCUSSION -- Draws just inside top pick for starter allowance, Pedroza on another Carava trainee, a forward factor throughout. Value Play -- SEVERO

6th Race -- EC LADY -- British-bred draws good post in full field of claimers at downhill run, Smith astride one-of-two Ellis-trained 'hidden entry', beware. SULTRY SOUND -- Pincay returns on Machowsky trainee, likes the downhill trip, good spot for action. Value Play -- GOLD SCAMMER

7th Race -- JACIRO -- Ships down from Northern California for Cal-bred stakes, Espinoza aboard Bonde trainee, edge in tight fit. GLOBAL FINANCE -- Flores takes owner Dutton trainee, needs crafty trip from inner post at 7-panel distance, in wide open feature Finances will be right. Value Play -- HUMOROUS LADY

8th Race -- SEA HARBOR -- Draws good milddle post in full field of maiden/claimers for 7-panel nightcap, Espinoza on Sadler trainee, adds blinkers for this trip. BLUE TIGER -- Desormeaux aboard Hess trainee, draws good box as well for finale, jockey-trainer combo have been a Tiger team before. Value Play -- MR. ROADWAY