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

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003 | 8:41 a.m.

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

Thursday's card

1st Race -- SABOYA -- Hustling Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, draws good box for sprint opener, a factor throughout. CLEVER MISS CAPER -- Baze aboard Becerra trainee, draws alongside top pick for claimer, due for a score at this level. Value Play -- ELLENHIGHWATER

2nd Race -- REBEL RAGE -- Solis scales Sahadi trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post at sprint distance, first quarter the key for victory. PANGLOSS -- Draws good middle post for starter allowance, hustling Puglisi astride owner Barba trainee, another with solid shot here. Value Play -- THE MIGHTY KING

3rd Race -- DASH FOR MONEY -- One-of-two in the field training at Hollypark, Espinoza on Frankel trainee for owner Stronach Stables, house horse here. ONEEXCESSIVENITE -- Pincay aboard Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, draws good post for downhill allowance/claimer, respect connections. Value Play -- BOND MIDNIGHT

4th Race -- AKRON AVENUE -- Draws good box for full field in short dash, P. Val on Machowsky trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, Avenue for diploma may be Akron. TEEQUA -- Hustling Espinoza on Hess trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in maiden/claimer, Teequa graduation? Value Play -- HOT SEA

5th Race -- T.J. DIAMOND -- Solis scales Sise trainee, draws well for full field in sprint claimer, Diamond in the rough turns brilliant here? MEMORI -- Another Pincay/Spawr production, draws good box for trip, well spotted for success at this level. Value Play -- LOVE BANDIT

6th Race -- SHARK FIN SOUP -- Draws outside post in short dash, P. Val on Monteloeone trainee for Las Vegan owner Schiappa, Shark bite or Soup for dinner? YOU CRACK ME UP -- Draws better post than top pick for maiden/claimer, Pincay on Van Berg trainee, won't Crack Up foes if graduates here. Value Play -- SOLO PLAYER

7th Race -- TOP HONOURS -- Smith astride de Seroux trainee, draws good post for downhill feature, going for Top Honours here. R. BAGGIO -- Likes this course, Desormeaux back aboard Kruljac trainee, going for another Arcadia grass score. Value Play -- MACWARD

8th Race -- BANK SHOT -- Draws good middle post for full field of nightcap sprinters, Desormeaux on Hess trainee, productive team at conditions like this. LATRONICA -- Hustling Pedroza on Carava trainee, draws good box for maiden/claimer finale, jockey-trainer team also productive combo. Value Play -- DISTINCTIVE FLYER