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

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003 | 9:43 a.m.

1st Race -- NLOTSABUTTER -- P. Val atop here, draws good box for sprint opener, ready to graduate at seaside? WORLDY EXCESS -- Martinez land here, draws good box for maiden/claiming dash, Excess effort puts in winners circle. Value Play -- LOVELY AMERICAN

2nd Race -- QUINTON'S GOLD -- Espinoza sits here, draws good post for sprint claimer, good spot for win at beach. SAINT LORENZO -- Krone takes this runner, draws good outside post for sprint distance, lady been riding like possessed damsel. Value Play -- RADIATA

3rd Race -- CURRITUCK -- P. Val atop this baby, draws good post for freshmen run, pop and go tactics for diploma? MR. SMEADLEYSMEARCH -- Espinoza aboard, draws good box for maiden/claiming sprint, don't smearch Smeadley graduation chance. Value Play -- HONDO LANE

4th Race -- LOVE IS BLIND -- Espinoza takes this one, draws good post for turf route, Blind faith for Love Is victory? ROYAL PLACE -- Krone sits here, draws well for sod claimer, Royal Place for backers would be winners circle. Value Play -- PATRIOT NOISE

5th Race -- DEVOTED LOVER -- Draws good post for full field of freshmen sprinters, Flores aboard for diploma ride, Devoted effort gives backers Lover payoff? FISHERMAN'S FRIEND -- P. Val on, draws good box for maiden/claiming dash, backers Friend with Fisherman's diploma. Value Play -- REAL BIG SPENDER

6th Race -- CEE'S VALLEY GIRL -- P. Val aboard, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post for sprint distance, Cee's Valley Girl in winners circle? DESERT PEARLS -- Smith sits here, draws well for allowance sprint, Desert victory would be Pearls at the beach. Value Play -- ENDURING FREEDOM

7th Race -- CRAZY ENSIGN -- Draws good post for turf route feature, Solis scales here, should get the trip for victory. SE VERA -- Draws alongside top pick, Nakatani aboard, should get a good trip as well in sod two-turner. Value Play -- ELLA ERIA

8th Race -- AWESOME DIVIDEND -- Smith scales for nightcap, draws good box for sprint maiden/claimer, graduation pays Awesome Dividends to backers. SCENIC WONDER -- P. Val aboard, draws good post for dash finale, Scenic route may be a Wonder-ful trip for diploma. Value Play -- PRIME AGENDA