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

Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 | 9:36 a.m.

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

1st Race -- RIGHT PROOF -- Espinoza on Drysdale trainee, fits this turf marathon well, faces quick first turn from outside post. SONIA -- German-bred draws rail post, Solis scales Dupuis trainee, should be factor throughout in this allowance/claiming opener. Value Play -- JAZZ FEST WEEKEND

2nd Race -- TRIPLE FANTASY -- Solis scales Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, draws good post at sprint trip, graduation may not be Fantasy here. UPPITY KITTY -- Draws good outside post in small field of six maidens, P. Val atop Bonde trainee, filly pushed Kitty Uppity for diploma pot. Value Play -- BLOWING BARTOK

3rd Race -- HEMET THOUGHT -- P. Val aboard Ellis trainee, draws good inner post for mile outing, Thought of backers is Hemet victory. FLY TO THE LAKE -- Solis scales West trainee, well spotted in two-turn claimer, must overcome outside post though. Value Play -- MACWARD

4th Race -- NAZAREEN -- Hustling Espinoza atop Sadler trainee for owners Moss, draws well for maiden route, sans blinkers for this diploma try. SAINTLY PERSUATION -- Krone atop Shirreffs trainee for owners Jacobs & Wygod, draws good box for two-turn maiden run, devine influence for graduation? Value Play -- DELAVALLADE

5th Race -- REVELLO -- Solis scales Mandella trainee, draws good post for full field at turf dash distance, set to get the trip. FIT FOR A KING -- Hard knocking gelding is tough competitor, Pedroza atop Han-trained comebacker, likes the trip and need only be ready. Value Play -- SPORTING LAD

6th Race -- GENERAL MOODY -- Solis scales Baffert trainee, draws good post for full field at sprint distance, backers hope General is in the Moody to graduate. QUIET JOURNEY -- Krone on Sise trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post in Cal-bred maiden dash, Journey set for non-Quiet diploma run? Value Play -- PROSPECTOR'S SON

7th Race -- ULTIMATE HITMAN -- P. Val aboard Cerin trainee, draws good post for sprint claimer, Ultimate effort puts the Hit-man on foes. MANSILVER -- Northern California-base kingpin Baze takes O'Neill trainee here, draws good post as well, the Man goes for the gold or settles for silver? Value Play -- FOG CITY WILLY

8th Race -- MINISTERS WILD CAT -- Once was Kentucky Derby hopeful, returns on the lawn here, Espinoza returns on Drysdale trainee, beware. SENOR SWINGER -- Most accomplished turf runner draws good post for Grade III grass route stakes, Alvarado gets chance on Baffert trainee, one to beat. Value Play -- SWEET RETURN

9th Race -- AMBER TWILIGHT -- Solid runner up effort in last, P. Val for new trainer Mitchell here, stretches out to two-turns here. ENTICE ME -- Draws alongside top pick for mile claimer, Solis scales Hollendorfer trainee, good spot for action. Value Play -- MIST OF THE EMPIRE

10th Race -- NASKRA NICK -- Draws good outer post for sprint nightcap, Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, Naskra Nick the pick for diploma. BUNDLE THIS -- Espinoza on Salder trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post in dash maiden/claimer, backers Bundle This graduation? Value Play -- LAPIDUS