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

Friday, Aug. 1, 2003 | 9:12 a.m.

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

1st Race -- SHINING STRIKE -- P. Val atop Baffert trainee for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, draws good post for sprint opener, ready to Strike for Shining victory? STORMY SPIRIT -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, draws middle post in dash claimer, has the Spirit to be factor here. Value Play -- GRAN AMIGA

2nd Race -- RIGHT PROOF -- Draws good post for turf route, Espinoza on one of two Drysdale-trained entries, lands tough spot. BUT OF COURSE -- Part of Thoroughbred Corporation-owned coupled entry with WHAT A VIEW, Valenzuela/Drysdale here, Flores/Mulhall there, 2-for-1 deal. Value Play -- GYPSY JAZZ

3rd Race -- NIGHTHUNDER -- Draws good outside box for Cal-bred sprint, Solis scales Hollendorfer trainee, day catch for Nighthunter? THE MOBILE MAN -- Hustling Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, fits allowance/claimer well, a factor throughout. Value Play -- WILDLY EXCESSIVE

4th Race -- VERY CAERLEON -- Draws good middle post in full field of sprinters, Valdivia atop Marquez trainee for owners Anson, good spot for action. SUPER STREAK -- Nakatani on co-owner Headley trainee, needs crafty trip from inner post in dash claimer, may Streak gate-to-wire for Super win. Value Play -- MAJESTERICAL

5th Race -- THADY QUILL -- Nakatani on one of two Frankel-trained entries, draws good inner post for turf mile stakes, set to get the trip. INESPERADO -- French-bred draws just inside stablemate, the other Frankel trainee gets Valenzuela in saddle, gets trip number two? Value Play -- TOUCH OF THE BLUES

6th Race -- WIMBLEDON -- Part of McIngvale-owned & Baffert-trained coupled entry with COOPERATION, Smith here, Nakatani there, double diploma threat. SIPHONIZER -- Flores atop Mandella trainee for owner Hughes, draws good box for sprint maiden outing, bred to win early. Value Play -- MINISTER ERIC

7th Race -- SMART AGAIN -- Draws good rail post in route allowance outing, Nakatani on Baffert-trained horse, shortest trip to winners circle? PUNCHULLAH -- Draws alongside top pick, Solis scales co-owner Headley trainee, could trip out in this spot. Value Play -- CLASSY FELLA

8th Race -- ATLANTIC OCEAN -- Draws good inner post for Grade II turf mile feature, Valenzuela on Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, filly of much ability. BUFFYTHECENTERFOLD -- Likes seaside track, Espinoza on Stute horse for owner Stronach Stables, should take to turf. Value Play -- CELLAMARE

9th Race -- WINSOME DAME -- Draws good middle post for sprint maiden outing, Solis scales Headley trainee for owner Stronach Stables, respect connections. DESERT PEARLS -- Draws alongside top pick, Smith astride Baffert horse for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, connections also to be respected. Value Play -- CHECKTHISGROOVE

10th Race -- ANGELA'STOUGHWATER -- Hustling Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, competitive recent races, must overcome outside post at mile distance. FLY TO THE LAKE -- Draws good rail post for two-turn claimer, Smith scales West trainee, shortest path to nightcap victory? Value Play -- THE POSEUR