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

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 | 9:18 a.m.

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

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- ASTRA'S SISTER -- Draws good middle post for short 2-furlong dash, Pedroza on Sise trainee, Sister for the mother load here. BEACON TREE -- Flores atop Garcia trainee, draws two box in from top pick, pop and roll here? Value Play -- BENEFICIAL BARTOK

2nd Race -- MUSCHI -- Flores aboard one of two Garcia-trained entries, needs crafty trip from post draw at the mile distance, fits this level. CONTINENTAL MISS -- Draws middle post for seven-horse claiming field, Espinoza on the other Garcia horse, an all-Garcia quinella in offering? Value Play -- I'MMUCHTHEBEST

3rd Race -- SIR TIFICATE -- P. Val stays on Abrams trainee, draws middle box for route maiden/claimer, been knocking on diploma door. HIGH COUNSELOR -- Smith scales Gallagher trainee, another who has been sitting on graduation, needs crafty trip in Cal-bred two-turner. Value Play -- BECKHAM

4th Race -- TOUCH THE WIRE -- Training at Hollypark, draws good post for mile allowance outing, Nakatani on Dollace trainee for Las Vegan owners. FIRST CLASS TRIP -- Draws alongside top pick, Solis sits Dominguez trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, respect connections. Value Play -- MCCANN'S MOJAVE

5th Race -- JUST BY CHANCE -- P. Val atop Cerin trainee, draws good spot for turf mile, victory will be more than Just By Chance. JITTERBUG JAN -- Draws good box for starter allowance outing, Solis scales co-owner Sise trainee, Jan dances to winners circle? Value Play -- GENERAL NANCY

6th Race -- RUBIN'S ROSE -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post at Cal-bred sprint distance, comes up Rubin's Ros-ee. SUGAR FREE -- Pedroza rides Carava trainee, has rail post in allowance/claimer, Sugar needs to break Free from inside traffic. Value Play -- DANCEOFTHEFLAGS

7th Race -- ROYAL GEM -- Training at Hollywood Park, Flores on Frankel trainee, draws good spot for turf route, Royal run provides Gem of a victory. HATAAB -- Another shipping across town for feature, Smith aboard Drysdale trainee for owner Shadwell Farm, set to get catbird trip? Value Play -- OKAWANGO

8th Race -- LEATHER TOUGH -- Draws good post for nightcap sprint, Solis scales Headley trainee, need only live up to namesake to graduate. ABAROUGE -- Espinoza on Harrington trainee, draws good outside post for maiden/claimer, diploma comes soon. Value Play -- SIDESHOW MEL