Ralph Siraco’s Santa Anita selections

Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002 | 9:59 a.m.

Friday's card

1st Race -- Midnite Meeting -- Hustling Espinoza on Sadler trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post for sprint opener, Meeting in winners circle? Shesmyhucklebery -- Has had many chances, draws well for maiden-claimer, connections of Spawr/Pincay are only reason to stick with her. Value Play -- Slew Summer

2nd Race -- A Touch Of Grey -- Delahoussaye on this Carava trainee, needs to work off rail for best effort, trip will tell the Grey tale. Warum Nicht -- P. Val. scales speedster, should be the one to catch in this, may be elusive target at this level. Value Play -- Disguy's Dalimit

3rd Race -- Benderosa -- Draws good box for sprint maiden-claimer, Rollins aboard Dominguez trainee, adds blinkers for this. Too Close To Call -- Flores atop Smith trainee, needs prompt start and clear sailing from rail post, could make graduation Too Close To Call. Value Play -- Deal 'Em Jack

4th Race -- She Rocks -- Irish-bred filly draws inner post for downhill run, Nakatani returns on Dollace trainee, She might Rock(s) foes here. Fall Habit -- This Irish-bred drew better than top pick, Stevens on Drysdale trainee for owner Tanaka, Habit could Fall into best trip. Value Play -- Let's Cruise

5th Race -- Guns A Blazen -- P. Val. aboard speedy starter, draws well in full field of maiden-claiming sprinters, shorter trip may prove an uncatchable graduation. Captain Jimbob -- Draws good box here, Pincay astride Carava trainee, Jim, bob or both could Captain a diploma run. Value Play -- Gold Champ

6th Race -- Icy Avenue -- Desormeaux on Vienna trainee, draws good spot in Cal-bred allowance sprint, Avenue set to ice foes. Excessive Prayer -- Draws outside post for this, trainer Bonde also co-owner tabs Nakatani here, devine in excess may provide victory. Value Play -- Lil' Awesome Annie

7th Race -- Peanut Butter Man -- McCarron scales Sahadi trainee, draws good inner post for turf route feature, should spread a victory over this field. Theatre Script -- Solis on Bray trainee for owner Sangster, needs a crafty trip in full field, final act of Script ends in winners circle? Value Play -- Our Main Man

8th Race -- Pretty As Ashley -- Hustling Espinoza aboard Cerin trainee, draws good post for starter allowance nightcap, Ashley win looks As Pretty as pie for backers. Condellone -- Trainer Carava tabs main man Pedroza for this one, draws tricky box for 7-panel outing, early trip should tell tale for chances. Value Play -- Rubin's Rose