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

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003 | 9:55 a.m.

1st Race -- WEHO -- Draws good box for mile opener, Nakatani on Jory trainee, fits these next-step conditions. SPEED TO SPEED -- Leading lady Krone atop Cassidy trainee, needs speed in this starter allowance outing, must overcome outside post. Value Play -- GOLDEN K K

2nd Race -- ISLAND MAZE -- Draws good middle post for sprint distance, Valenzuela aboard Knight trainee, hails from cagey Northern California-based barn. TIZ ROYALTY -- Krone on Gaines trainee, draws good box for maiden/claiming dash, Tiz diploma awaiting Royalty? Value Play -- LOVE IN THE MORNIN

3rd Race -- LOU'S EXPECTATION -- Valenzuela on Bray horse, draws good post for sprint claimer, a forward factor throughout. SAN NICOLAS -- Draws outside box for dash, Desormeaux astride Bonde trainee, should be in the mix as well. Value Play -- SHOW ME THE MOOLAH

4th Race -- CATABATIC WIND -- Draws outside post for sprint distance, Pedroza on Spawr trainee, respect connections at this level. L'NATURAL HIGH -- Valenzuela aboard co-owner Knapp trainee, fits this tag level well, should be a factor throughout. Value Play -- A REAL KING

5th Race -- ITSAGALTHING -- Draws good box in full field of first-year fillies at dash distance, Flores atop Marquez trainee for owners Anson, solid connections. HONOR GAME -- Has outer box in maiden/claiming sprint, Solis scales Monteleone trainee, Honor diploma is the name of this Game. Value Play -- YYYES

6th Race -- THERMOSTATIC -- Nakatani on Gallagher trainee, draws well for turf route outing, should get a good trip in this. CONTINENTAL WINE -- Puglisi atop Aguirre trainee, needs crafty trip in sod allowance/claimer, jockey-trainer combo productive pair. Value Play -- ARDUM RELAUNCH

7th Race -- HURRICANE SMOKE -- Draws outside box in small six-horse sprint feature, Solis scales West trainee, backers hope is to Smoke Hurricane foes. YANKEE GENTLEMAN -- P. Val on Shirreffs trainee for owners Wygod, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in allowance/claimer, beware. Value Play -- PELIRROJO

8th Race -- CORNICOPIA -- Draws good middle post for nightcap sprint, Pedroza on Lynch trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, adds blinkers for this diploma try. RASHARD LAMAR -- Draws alongside top pick for maiden/claiming finale, P. Val aboard Mitchell trainee, Lamar graduation forthcoming? Value Play -- PACIFIC ARMADA