Ralph Siraco’s selections for Friday’s races at Del Mar

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2002 | 9:16 a.m.

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

Friday's card

1st Race -- CRIMSON POLICY -- Just missed in comeback in last, Vergara returns on young Stute trainee, should be ready now. MY FRIEND LUMPY -- Draws good box for sprint claimer, Pincay on Spawr trainee for owners Craig, a factor throughout in the opener. Value Play -- KINSTON

2nd Race -- TIMBER BARON -- Solid victory on the main in last, Flores aboard Machowsky trainee, likes the lawn as well. ALBATROS -- Argentine-bred draws good inner post for turf mile, Gomez atop Carava trainee, should get the catbird trip here. Value Play -- AZKABAN

3rd Race -- PRODUCER -- Draws good inner post for mile maiden/claimer, hustling Espinoza on Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, solid team. TRIBAL TRICK -- Draws the rail here, P. Val on Dominguez trainee, should be part of the mix throughout. Value Play -- HABANEROS

4th Race -- POTRA GIRL -- Argentine-bred draws good box for route claimer, Jauregui gets call on this Spawr trainee, should be competitive in this spot. BRIGHT VICTORY -- Desormeaux takes this Hess trainee, draws alongside top pick, a factor throughout. Value Play -- KICKIN CLOVER

5th Race -- RAISE EXPECTATIONS -- Draws good rail post for mile maiden/claimer, Desormeaux on Lewis trainee for owner Harris Farms, Inc., graduation Expectations. FARMAS DREAM -- Draws alongside top pick, Smith aboard Gaines trainee, Dream for Farmas backers is diploma. Value Play -- COLD CALL COWBOY

6th Race -- SAUCY CAT -- Solis scales Mandella trainee, draws good post for turf mile, should get the catbird trip here. JUMP BAIL -- Pincay aboard McAnally trainee for owners Craig & Halo Farms, draws good spot in allowance outing, Bail has big chance to Jump up here. Value Play -- BONAIR LAKE

7th Race -- EASY GRADES -- Late developing sophomore may be coming around now, sitting on a victory, Smith now scales West trainee. FONZ'S -- P. Val sits LaCroix trainee, draws good box for mile feature, needs honest pace to make usual late impact. Value Play -- TASTE OF PARADISE

8th Race -- UFOLOGY -- Rollins on young Hofmans trainee, needs crafty trip from outside post in mile finale, should be square price for graduation try. VAUDEVILLE TIME -- Draws alongside top pick, Garcia on Peterson trainee, jockey-trainer team productive pair, Time for Vaudeville diploma? Value Play -- MAGIC WHEAT