Ralph Siraco’s Santa Anita selections

Friday, March 8, 2002 | 9:16 a.m.

Saturday's card

1st Race -- Big Bad Juan -- Pincay aboard Carava trainee, draws good post for mile opener, well spotted at this level for solid chance at a victory. Fin Entertainment -- Espinoza on Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, must overcome outside post, but, running style should compensate. Value Play -- The Count

2nd Race -- Davis Eyes -- McCarron atop McAnally trainee here, draws good post for turf mile, respect connections in this. Westmead Empress -- British-bred is one of two Hess-trained entries, Desormeaux lands here, set to get a trip. Value Play -- Thunder Island

3rd Race -- Distribute -- Baze aboard Baffert horse for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, draws good outer post in full field of maiden-claiming sprinters, Distribute diploma? War Surgeon -- Draws just inside top pick, Desormeaux's first call for trainer Sise, dangerous pair at these conditions. Value Play -- Rial Verde

4th Race -- Reba's Gold -- Draws good inner post for small field in mile stakes, Delahoussaye gets the best from Hendricks trainee, goes for the Gold. Bosque Redondo -- Draws rail box, McCarron again on Gonzalez trainee for owner McCaffery & Toffan, solid runner for solid connections. Value Play -- Anstar

5th Race -- Indiahoma -- Draws good place here, Desormeaux returns on Hess trainee, good spot for action as he likes this trip. Riverside -- Draws middle post in downhill run, Pincay aboard Shirreffs trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, fits this level claimer. Value Play -- Always Game

6th Race -- Burning Brite -- Smith astride Lewis trainee for owners Harris Farms, Inc, & Maddy Trust, draws good post, diploma could be Burning Brite here. Class Of Glass -- Hustling Espinoza on Baffert trainee, need prompt start and clean trip from rail post, Glass half full or Class Of the field? Value Play -- Punta Mita

7th Race -- Habibti -- Stout filly returns for meet title quest, Espinoza again on Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, post draws slight concern. You -- Has traded punches with top filly and been the Avis filly in most meetings, Eclipse rider Bailey teams with Eclipse trainer Frankel again, threat again. Value Play -- Dancing

8th Race -- Sharbayan -- Irish-bred draws good post in full field of allowance turf milers, hustling Espinoza firs call for trainer Dollace, chance to trip out in this. Self Esteem -- Bailey catch-ride on Baffert trainee for ownersBob & Beverly Lewis, draws well, combo for this outing suggests solid chance. Value Play -- California Sage

9th Race -- Mr. Reed -- Draws good middle post in full field at short dash, Desormeaux aboard Glatt trainee, good spot for action. The Morris Monroe -- Hard-knocking gelding draws outer post in claimer, Valdivia atop Aguirre trainee, could reach back for class to win this. Value Play -- Retro Fever

10th Race -- Fresh Tarte -- Espinoza on Baffert trainee, draws outer post for short maiden-claiming dash, desert for racing day feast may be Fresh Tarte. Mother Fear -- Pincay aboard Carava trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, Mother may put the graduation Fear to this field. Value Play -- Like Magic