Ralph Siraco’s Santa Anita selections

Wednesday, March 13, 2002 | 10:36 a.m.

Thursday's card

1st Race -- Missionairess -- Flores astride Ellis trainee, draws inner post for sprint opener, should get good trip at this level. Bartley -- Draws alongside top pick, Desormeaux on Carava trainee, well spotted in this claimer. Value Play -- Gamblin Town

2nd Race -- Reluctant Hero -- Training at Hollypark, McCarron aboard Hofmans trainee, Hero may not be Reluctant graduate here. American Warrior -- Baze aboard Baffert trainee for owner Garber, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post, maiden--claimer diploma for Warrior? Value Play -- Doc's Allowance

3rd Race -- Red Briar -- Irish-bred was rolling down the hill in last, draws inner post for split turf mile stakes, Stevens atop Sahadi trainee. Mountain Rage -- Flores again on Baffert trainee, fits well in this stakes, a factor throughout. Value Play -- National Park

4th Race -- Pool Music -- British-bred training at Hollypark, Valdivia aboard Marquez trainee, well spotted in claiming route here. Inwood -- Also training at Hollypark, draws alongside top pick, hustling Espinoza aboard Hines trainee. Value Play -- Mr. Bulldog

5th Race -- Jokerman -- Training at Hollypark, draws good box for downhill run, Espinoza on Hofmans trainee, beware. Islander -- Loves this downhill trip, Solis again on Cardenas trainee, one of four in the field for a tag here. Value Play -- Flying Rudolph

6th Race -- Pin Emerald -- Pedroza atop Silva trainee, draws good post for sprint maiden--claimer, Pin diploma on Emerald here. Splendid Jaclyn -- Draws just inside top pick, Rollins aboard Shulman trainee for the Winning Ways Stable, adds blinkers for this trip. Value Play -- So Swift And Sweet

7th Race -- Prairie Predator -- Draws good rail post for second half of mile turf stakes, Smith aboard Bray trainee for owner Paulson, well spotted here. Royal Gem -- Draws good inside post, Solis scales Frankel trainee, jockey-trainer team always dangerous in these spots. Value Play -- Lawn Mower

8th Race -- Starglow -- Draws good box for maiden-claimer, Smith atop Sahadi trainee, could be the Star that glows for graduation here. Next To Heaven -- Flores aboard Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, draws good post for nightcap sprint, Heaven may house star diploma. Value Play -- Toomanytomorrows