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

Wednesday, July 17, 2002 | 9:02 a.m.

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

Thursday's card

1st Race -- MOUNTAIN FLAG -- Draws good post for 7-panel opener, Solis scales Harrington trainee, Mountain set to Flag down victory. A MAJOR PLEASURE -- Hustling Pedroza aboard Marquez trainee for owners Anson, draws next to top pick, win for backers would be A Major Pleasure. Value Play -- WILLY'S WAY

2nd Race -- MICKEY'S HOT STUFF -- Training at Santa Anita, Espinoza atop Abrams trainee, well-placed for solid effort. MISSIONAIRESS -- Draws alongside top pick, bug boy Krigger on Johnson trainee, a factor throughout. Value Play -- PRECIOSA

3rd Race -- FUNNY MEETING -- P. Val atop Dominguez trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, needs crafty trip here, Meeting may be in winners circle--no joke. PRINCE OF MARS -- Draws alongside top pick, Solis scales Mitchell trainee, must overcome post draw in short turf dash. Value Play -- THUNDER BULLET

4th Race -- SUSHI AT NOBU'S -- Draws good post for sprint maiden/claimer, P. Val aboard LaCroix trainee for owner Meadowbrook Farms, Inc., fishing for diploma here. BEARLY IRISH -- Hustling Pedroza on Moger, Jr., trainee, draws alongside top pick, Bearly could be bullish on graduation. Value Play -- SWISS ATTIRE

5th Race -- SHUFFLING KID -- British-bred draws good inner post for short turf dash, P. Val on Cerin trainee, well spotted at this level. AVENUE OF RICH'S -- Training at Santa Anita, Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, should get good trip from post draw. Value Play -- CROOKED KEY

6th Race -- RED BOX -- Solis aboard Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, draws well for long one-turn sprint, Box to exit maiden/claiming Red. MIKEMAGILLICUTTY -- Gomez now on Duncan trainee, draws good outside post here, been knocking on diploma door. Value Play -- CANUCK

7th Race -- ENDLESS SUMMER -- British-bred has good post in turf dash, P. Val on Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, solid contender with right connections. MARTEL -- Delahoussaye on Gallagher trainee, well suited for feature trip, needs to overcome outside post though. Value Play -- ROCKY BAR

8th Race -- CONQUISTADOR LAD -- Hustling Pedroza aboard owner Chapman trainee, draws good inner post for route nightcap, Lad should get graduation trip here. T'S CAFE -- Bug boy Krigger atop Aguirre trainee, trys again for diploma in maiden/claimer, Cafe victory provides gormet dinner for backers. Value Play -- MECANICO