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

Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 | 10:02 a.m.

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

Saturday's card

1st Race -- RUBEN'S POSADA -- Hustling Pedroza on Carava trainee, draws good post for sprint opener, Ruben's diploma run here? BARTENDING MIKE -- Valdivia on Hofmans trainee in maiden/claimer, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, graduation libation for Mike? Value Play -- SOLO PLAYER

2nd Race -- ACADEMY SPY -- Draws good middle post in full field at turf route, Almeida aboard Sahadi trainee, graduation for Spy at the Academy. PACIFIC COLONY -- Pincay aboard co-owner Baffert trainee, been knocking on diploma door, Colony to conquer foes on green. Value Play -- SPAINBIRD

3rd Race -- ORANGE 'EM -- Pincay aboard Cerin trainee, draws good post for sprint claimer, speedy sort should be in the mix throughout. AFFIRM CAT -- Flores atop Spawr trainee here, needs crafty trip from inner post, connections solid. Value Play -- FLYING FUGITIVE

4th Race -- CHAMP'S STAR -- Flores takes over on owner Dutton trainee, traffic trouble in last, needs diamond lane again down the hill from inner post. ROYAL HIGHLANDER -- Irish-bred draws good box for full field in downhill claimer, Almeida on Sahadi trainee, should be part of the mix at the end. Value Play -- MARTEL

5th Race -- DIXIE THRILL -- Pedroza aboard main man Carava trainee, draws well for route claimer, a factor throughout. JAKLIN'S LAST KIN -- Hard knocking gelding returns here with Pincay again on Spawr trainee, needs crafty trip from outer post draw, should run his race. Value Play -- TAORMINA

6th Race -- DON'T HOLLER -- Draws good middle post in full field for turf mile feature, Pincay aboard Dollace trainee, sans blinkers for this trip. TORSIONNAIRE -- French-bred lands competitive spot, Flores scales Jones trainee, good spot for action. Value Play -- GREENLAND

7th Race -- TOUCHED -- Flores atop Stute trainee for owner Hughes, draws good post for sprint finale, foes will be Touched with diploma ceremony in winners circle. FESTIVAL QUEEN -- British-bred draws inner post for sprint maiden nightcap, Steiner on Harty trainee for owner Godolphin Racing, graduation for Queen? Value Play -- MISS FREEDOM