Ralph Siraco’s Santa Anita Park selections

Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003 | 9:39 a.m.

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- L'EFFACEUR -- Flores returns on co-owner Garcia trainee, draws good spot for another win, should be in the hunt throughout. STERLING WISDOM -- Training at Hollypark, hustling Pedroza on Canani & Gill runner, draws good box for mile claiming opener. Value Play -- PARA USTED

2nd Race -- JAPANESE WHISPER -- Dubai-bred runner draws good rail post for route maiden special weight outing, Flores aboard Harty trainee for owner Darley Stable, respect connections. NIFTY LADY -- Draws good box for first-year filly two-turner, Stevens on Lukas trainee for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, connections also to be respected. Value Play -- CHASENTHEBLUESAWAY

3rd Race -- ALTERNATE VERSE -- Nakatani aboard Hendricks trainee for owners Wygod, draws good post for six--filly field at flat mile, victory Verse for backers? JOVIALLY -- Hustling Espinoza on Mullins trainee, draws good post for first-year filly claimer, adds blinkers for this outing. Value Play -- SPIRITED

4th Race -- TIZWAR -- Part of Harris Farms-owned and Lewis-trained coupled entry with NEW COURSE, Flores here, Valdivia there, double threat here. PLEASURE HONOR -- Nakatani on O'Neill trainee, draws good post for sprint claimer, fits this freshman outing well. Value Play -- TRICKINTHEPARK

5th Race -- GOODBYE GAMBLER -- Hustling Espinoza atop Machowsky trainee, draws good box for filly sophomore sprint, Goodbye to Gambler that doesn't back her? THE CASTLE -- Draws alongside top pick for dash claimer, Flores aboard Mitchell trainee, adds blinkers for this outing. Value Play -- TEJATI

6th Race -- GO WILD -- Desormeaux on O'Neill trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post at dash distance, adds blinkers for this diploma try. BOOMTOWN THIEF -- Part of Machowsky-trained coupled entry with CHESTER'S CHANCE, Espinoza here, Nakatani there, double diploma threat in freshman maiden/claimer. Value Play -- JIMMY'S INSTINCT

7th Race -- HAWA MAHAL -- Smith scales Gonzalez trainee for owners McCaffery & Toffan, draws good post for allowance/claiming sprint, respect connetions here. FRIENDLY MICHELLE -- Draws good outside post for dash distance, Solis scales Baffert trainee, fits this heat well. alue Play -- PLATINUM PRINCESS

8th Race -- ROYALLY CHOSEN -- Solis scales Headley trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in sprint stakes, classy mare likes this oval. SPRING MEADOW -- Part of Fog City Stable-owned and Hess-trained coupled entry with QUIET DELIGHT, Nakatani here, Stevens there, solid 2-for-1 deal in feature. Value Play -- JUST BILL ME

9th Race -- FLAG TO FLY -- Draws good outer post in full field at 7-panel distance, Solis scales co-owner Headley trainee, ready To Fly the graduation Flag in finale? MARK OF COURAGE -- Espinoza on Hofmans trainee, draws good box for nightcap maiden/claimer, Mark Of Courage would be diploma effort. Value Play -- GUN BOAT