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

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002 | 8:49 a.m.

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

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- SPENSIVE -- Espinoza climbs on this one of two Baffert-trained entries, draws good box for meeting opener, start stand with familiar winners. DOMESTIC DISPUTE -- The other Baffert trainee gets Smith in the saddle, draws alongside stablemate in allowance/claiming sprint, Baffert 'Q'? Value Play -- RED APACHE

2nd Race -- HIGH NOON MEETING -- Draws good spot in route claimer, Flores atop Sherman trainee, cagey conditioner from Northern California circuit. POOL MUSIC -- British-bred training at Hollypark, Valdivia aboard Marquez trainee for owners Anson, potent team here. Value Play -- AZURE CIEL

3rd Race -- SIPHONIC -- Long time no see, sophomore starts comeback trail, Smith on Hofmans trainee, not much to topple here. LEBONTEMPSROULET -- Part of DeLema-trained and co-owned coupled entry with RESOLVE, Flores here, Rollins there, two-for-one deal. Value Play -- WAINGARTH

4th Race -- DOG DAYS -- Draws good post for full field of maidens at turf mile, gets rider switch to Smith for trainer Headley, gets the trip for diploma. SOLAR WAY -- Desormeaux second call on Frankel trainee, draws good post for graduation try, respect connections. Value Play -- SEQUOIAN

5th Race -- JEWEL CASE -- Flores on one of twoAbrams-trained entries, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post at sprint distance, beware. MISS SUGAR -- Draws good box for claimer, Pincay aboard Machowsky trainee, good spot for action here. Value Play -- FOREST FANTASY

6th Race -- TWINING COLORS -- Draws good outer post in full field at sprint distance, Flores on Jackson trainee, Colors of diploma translates to green? GOLDEN HANDCUFFS -- Training at Hollypark, bug boy Krigger on co-owner Dutton trainee, applies Handcuffs to maiden/claimers for Golden graduation? Value Play -- RANSOM SONG

7th Race -- RUSHIN' TO ALTAR -- Pincay aboard McAnally trainee, sharp colt should like the turf mile here, must overcome outer box though. GOLDEN ARROW -- Hustling Espinoza on Drysdale trainee for owner Maktoum Al Maktoum, draws better box than top pick, solid contender in tough heat. Value Play -- QUITE CARELESS

8th Race -- AZERI -- Top handicap mare prepping for Breeders' Cup appearance, Smith back on de Seroux trainee for Paulson Living Trust, she's the one to beat. STARRER -- Also Breeders' Cup eligible, P. Val on Shirreffs trainee, promising filly could come up big in this spot. Value Play -- ADORATION

9th Race -- STRATEGICALLY -- Nakatani on Headley trainee for owners Wygod, draws outside post for Cal-bred sprint finale, placed Strategically she graduates here. RUN MICKEY RUN -- Gomez astride co-owner Ward trainee, draws good box for maiden/claimer nighcap, Mickey may Run for backers and Run for diploma. Value Play -- ORBEA