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

Wednesday, April 9, 2003 | 9:08 a.m.

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

1st Race -- INTUITIONAL -- Valenzuela on Warren trainee for owners Johnson, draws good box for straight two-fulong dash, boot n' scoot. QUEENOFLUV -- Part of co-owner Dutton-trained coupled entry with MISTRICK, Pedroza here, Baze there, duo chance at diploma. Value Play -- THEDEVILINME

2nd Race -- FREE'S LIL LASS -- Atkinson on co-owner Dutton trainee, another short straight dash and good post, Lil Lass hauls--well you get the picture. SPEAK THE LANGUAGE -- Hustling Pedroza on Sise trainee, needs prompt start from rail post in Cal-bred maiden drag race, Speak The victory? Value Play -- BUGSY MARRONE

3rd Race -- LUNARCO -- Draws good inner post for route starter allowance outing, Almeida on West trainee for owner West, victory keeps it in the family. DEVIL'S CAT -- Part of Conejo Racing-owned coupled entry with BANKER BOY, Nakatani/Bray here, Solis/Mullins there, 2-for-1 deal. Value Play -- SABALUCIOUS

4th Race -- SULLY'S GIRL -- Puglisi atop Sise trainee, draws good outside post for 7-panel run, adds blinkers for this graduation try. DANCES ON CLOUDS -- Draws alongside top pick, P. Val aboard Mayberry trainee, like top pick this one adds shades as well. Value Play -- RONDEAU

5th Race -- TRACY'S TRACTON -- Draws good rail post for turf mile, Valenzuela rides Mitchell trainee, should get the trip here. YEARLY COPY -- Nakatani on Sise trainee, draws good box for claimer, fits this heat well and should be right there. Value Play -- SHE'S NO SHAM

6th Race -- TONIC WATER -- Draws good middle post for short maiden/claiming dash, new arrival Johnson atop Carava trainee, rider to get first victory at meet here? MR. DILLON -- Pedorza aboard Ward trainee, rider usually on Carava trainees, so, maybe he did the handicapping here. Value Play -- EAGERNESS

7th Race -- SO URGENT -- Flores on Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, one-of-two in for a six-figure tag, the factor here. ELABORATE -- Solid runner returns to races in sprint feature, P. Val atop Gonzalez trainee for owners McCaffery & Toffan, late threat if he's ready. Value Play -- RIDE AND SHINE

8th Race -- VACA FLYER -- Draws good box for 7-panel finale, Almeida on Stute trainee, adds blinkers for this graduation try. RUNAWAY RUBI -- Solis scales Sise trainee, draws alongside top pick, Rubi may Runaway with diploma here. Value Play -- PERLA ERMOSA