Ralph Siraco’s selections for Friday’s races at Santa Anita

Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003 | 8:59 a.m.

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

Friday's card

1st Race -- DARK SORCERER -- British-bred draws good post for downhill run, P. Val on Gaines trainee, well spotted for victory in opener. HARRY JAKE -- British-bred draws alongside top pick, Nakatani astride Mitchell trainee, all-English-native quinella for claimer? Value Play -- SAPHIR INDIEN

2nd Race -- LABAMTA BABE -- Training at Hollypark, Espinoza back on Frankel trainee for owner Gann, draws good rail post for route outing. OH TAKE -- Brazilian-bred draws outside post in small five-horse allowance/claiming field, Pincay aboard McAnally trainee, Oh Take the money here? Value Play -- JENTZEN

3rd Race -- WOMAN ONFASTTRACK -- Pincay aboard Spawr trainee, draws good outer post in short field at sprint distance, gal On-fast-track to winners circle? THE CASTLE -- Draws outside box for claimer, P. Val atop Mitchell trainee, barn has been solid at the meet. Value Play -- HOPEFUL SEASON

4th Race -- NUIT DE SIAM -- French-bred draws middle post in turf route, Nakatani atop Vienna trainee for owner Red Baron's Barn, good spot for action. LAST TANGO -- Irish-bred draws challenging box for claimer, Pincay atop Gallagher trainee, Tango could be first to finish here. Value Play -- QUE FACIL CORAZON

5th Race -- RAINBOW ACORN -- Draws good outside post for sprint maiden/claimer, hustling Espinoza on Baffert trainee for owner McIngvale, solid connections. CHI CHI NETTE -- Flores aboard Cerin trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post here, Chi Chi could 'Net-te diploma. Value Play -- BANK SHOT

6th Race -- RON CHERRY -- Pincay aboard Glatt trainee, needs prompt start and clean run from rail post in sprint claimer, Ron may get a Cherry trip here. AVIE CIELO -- Training at Hollypark, Puglisi astride co-owner Aguirre trainee, productive connections at competitive level for this one. Value Play -- ARMED 'N CRAFTY

7th Race -- NANOGRAM -- Draws good inner post for full field at turf mile, Espinoza aboard Vienna trainee, set to get a catbird trip. SEA OF SHOWERS -- Training at Hollypark, Solis scales Frankel trainee, must overcome outside post in allowance/claimer. Value Play -- SWEEP THE DECK

8th Race -- VARIETY SHOW -- Draws good inner post for route nightcap, P. Val on co-owner Dutton trainee, Variety set to Show foes the way to winners circle? ANYONE WOOD -- Solis scales Sadler trainee, draws good box for maiden/claimer finale, backers hope this Anyone could and Wood graduate here. Value Play -- BECKHAM