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

Friday, Sept. 6, 2002 | 9:12 a.m.

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

Saturday's card

1st Race -- MONSAJEM -- Part of Red Baron's Barn-owned & Vienna-trained coupled entry with KERRYGOLD, Nakatani here, Flores there, both a threat. GREENLAND -- Hustling Espinoza on McAnally trainee, draws good spot in claiming turf route opener, win on Green to land in winners circle. Value Play -- INDIAHOMA

2nd Race -- MISS CONTINENTAL -- Draws good box for full field of claimers going sprint distance, Espinoza on Cardenas trainee, fits well. LUCKY SPIRIT -- Draws outside post, Gomez atop Cassidy trainee, should get a good spot to work from starting blocks. Value Play -- RHYTHM'N GOLD

3rd Race -- COMPOSURE -- Smith scales this Baffert-trained orse for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, draws well, barn's forte. CAT FIGHTER -- The other Baffert trainee gets Espinoza on the saddle for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, needs speed from rail post, Baffert quinella? Value Play -- VIRGINIA MISS

4th Race -- LEBONTEMPSROULET -- Loves the seaside oval, Flores on co-owner Delima trainee, Le-bon-temp-Del-Mar. RIO ORO -- Speedster draws outside post for sprint stakes, Stevens scales Monteleone trainee for Vegas car man Schiappa, Mercedes sprinter. Value Play -- RADIATA

5th Race -- MOTTO -- Needed last outing, Espinoza back on Mandella trainee for owners Moss, should sit the trip for this. BRING HOME THEGOLD -- Draws good rail post for turf mile, Stevens aboard Shirreffs trainee for owners Craig, catbird trip forthcoming? Value Play -- SIR ALFRED

6th Race -- RAHY VISION -- Draws good post for maiden sprint, Espinoza atop Ellis trainee for owner Hughes, bred to be quick and win early. SAVONAROLA -- British-bred hails from mighty Godolphin Racing, Inc., Flores aboard Harty trainee, barn has been plagued by virus at seaside. Value Play -- GENTLESTONE

7th Race -- SUMMERWOOD -- Draws good box for sprint allowance/claimer, hustling Espinoza on Inda trainee for owners Jones, respect connections. RESPECTFUL -- Smith astride Kruljac trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, trip will tell the tale for this filly. Value Play -- FRUGALITY

8th Race -- MR. MELLON -- Eastern invader proven grass runner, Douglas ships in from Chicago for the ride on Walden trainee, respect this team. INESPERADO -- French-bred runner has comes into seaside Derby riding winning record, Nakatani takes over on Frankel trainee, solid team, too. Value Play -- DELL PLACE

9th Race -- HERO'S WELCOME -- Gomez on this Carava trainee, draws good post for sprint claimer, needs honest pace for closing kick. SUBPOENA -- Draws just outside top pick, Pincay aboard Glatt trainee, fits this heat well and should be in the mix at crunch time. Value Play -- WOKING

10th Race -- CHI CHI NETTE -- Draws good box for nightcap maiden/claiming sprint, Baze aboard young Canani trainee, adds blinkers for this graduation try. TWINING COLORS -- Flores scales Jackson trainee, draws a good spot for finale try, Twining may show true Colors for diploma. Value Play -- ADINA DUCA