Ralph Siraco’s selections for Sunday’s races

Monday, Oct. 14, 2002 | 10:18 a.m.

Sunday's card

First Race ROBERTA'S MANGO -- Flores atop this Canani trainee, draws good box for sprint opener, edge in tight fit. SOUP N' CRACKERS -- Draws alongside top pick in claimer, Baze aboard Glatt trainee, has had some solid outings lately. Value Play -- SWEET OLYMPIO

Second Race GINGER ROO -- Draws good inner post for mile starter allowance, Martinez for trainer Abrams here, good spot for action. CEASE SPAN -- Draws just inside top pick, Gomez aboard Carava trainee, should get a good trip in this spot. Value Play -- BITINGLY COLD

Third Race COTTAGE -- Argentine-bred ran solid race at seaside, Flores on Spawr trainee, well spotted for a repeat run. HOTEL HALL -- Irish-bred gets Pincay aboard for trainer Gaines here, needs a crafty trip from post draw in route allowance/claimer, should be decent price. Value Play -- EARL OF DANBY

Fourth Race RIVER BRIDGE -- French-bred is part of Red Baron's Barn-owned and Vienna-trained coupled entry with FLOWINGTON, Espinoza here, Flores there, double tough. ABBEY BRIDGE -- P. Val on Frankel trainee for downhill claimer, draws good box for the trip, could be over the Bridge quinella. Value Play -- HADL

Fifth Race EXPRESSIONIST -- Pincay aboard Mandella trainee for owners Moss, draws extreme outside post for sprint claimer, good spot for action. SUBPOENA -- Desormeaux astride Hess trainee, draws good box for the trip, jockey-trainer solid team. Value Play -- SING BECAUSE

Sixth Race SMALL TOWN GIRL -- Part of Pegram-owned and Baffert-trained coupled entry with POCKETFULLOFPESOS, Smith here, Flores there, double diploma threat. ALWAYS EXCESSIVE -- Draws good post for sprint maiden outing, Stevens scales Machowsky trainee for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, respect connections and breeding. Value Play -- DOTTED SWISS

Seventh Race MISS TROPICS -- Draws good post for full field at sprint distance, Solis scales Headley trainee, edge in tough fit. GOLDEN BAND -- Espinoza on Baffert trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw for victory in allowance outing, solid connections. Value Play -- FILM CRITIC

Eighth Race INESPERADO -- French-bred has been a monster on Southern California racing lawns, Nakatani on one-of-two Frankel-trained "hidden entry", the one to beat. JOHAR -- Late runner has been nibbling at big prize, Solis again on Mandella trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, makes late impact. Value Play -- WORLD LIGHT

Ninth Race RAHY VISION -- Draws good post for sprint nightcap, hustling Espinoza on Ellis trainee for owner Hughes, backers have Vision of a Rahy graduation. ONE EYED COBRA -- Flores on Baffert trainee for owner Baffert, draws good post for maiden outing, might be Baffert family reunion in winners circle. Value Play -- STASH THE BOOTS