Ralph Siraco’s Hollywood Park selections

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003 | 9:40 a.m.

Friday's card

1st Race -- EXPLOITIVE -- Draws good rail post for route opener, Baze aboard Cardenas trainee, Exploitive diploma for first-year filly? LOST BRIDE -- P. Val aboard Mitchell trainee, draws alongside top pick for two-turn maiden/claimer, Lost Bride finds graduation in Inglewood? Value Play -- YYYYES

2nd Race -- SWELTER -- Hot-riding Krone atop Hofmans trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw in route claimer here, puts heat on foes? GEORGE'S STICK -- Draws good inner post for two-turn sophomore tag run, Desormeaux on Cardenas trainee, George's Stick might be biggest one here. Value Play -- CHARMER BARON

3rd Race -- TWO THIRTY SEVEN -- Hustling Pedroza on Canani trainee for partner owner Gill, needs crafty trip from post draw at route distance, solid connections. SKY STRIDER -- P. Val on co-owner Knight trainee, draws good box for bottom-level claimer, Sky (s) the limit here? Value Play -- DINNERATHEPALMS

4th Race -- HIGH ALERT -- Draws good post for turf dash, Nakatani on Hofmans trainee, fits the heat well. MAYHALL -- Desormeaux atop Puype trainee, draws well for maiden sod sprint, May-hall-away-diploma here. Value Play -- GENERAL ZOD

5th Race -- MARTINBLESTME -- Fogelsonger aboard Baffert trainee, draws good spot in long one-turn outing, may have needed last, beware. DITCH DIGGER -- Argentine-bred runner is hard knocker, Berrio aboard Spawr trainee, claiming level and distance should fit him well. Value Play -- HIGHLY TEMPTING

6th Race -- TRADITION ROCKS -- Draws good rail post in full field at turf mile distance, Pedroza now on Canani trainee, a factor throughout. ROCK OPERA -- P. Val first call for trainer Sise, fits sod allowance/claimer, must overcome outside post with early foot. Value Play -- SEA TO SEE

7th Race -- CAT FIGHTER -- Fogelsonger on Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, draws good spot in allowance feature, respect connections. TERESA ANN -- Desormeaux atop Dollace trainee, outside post not a problem in small five-filly field at route distance, a factor throughout. Value Play -- LIFE'S PLEASURES

8th Race -- TOP INGREDIENTS -- Training at Santa Anita, Pedroza aboard Garcia trainee, backers hope she has Ingredients for Top diploma effort here, adds blinkers. ONE TWO PUNCH -- Draws extreme outside post in sprint maiden/claimer, Baze aboard Truman trainee, lands One Two graduation Punch? Value Play -- CAPITALINA