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

Wednesday, July 23, 2003 | 10:11 a.m.

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

Thursday's card

1st race -- JOYS WORLD -- Hustling Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, draws good post for sprint opener, Joys World includes winners circle? WOMAN ONFASTTRACK -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in dash claimer, is Woman Onfasttrack? Value Play -- SECRET CAPER

2nd Race -- F J'S PACE -- Baze aboard O'Neill trainee, speedster draws inner post for short turf dash, tough at this trip. WITH IRIS -- P. Val atop Truman trainee, another who likes short sod allowance/claimer, should be right there at the end. Value Play -- RIDE AND SHINE

3rd Race -- ITSAGALTHING -- Draws good box for short sprint, Smith scales Marquez trainee for owners Anson, Its-a-winning-gal-thing? HONOR GAME -- P. Val astride Monteleone trainee, draws outside box in maiden/claiming dash, adds blinkers for this graduation try. Value Play -- SWISS SKIER

4th Race -- A REAL KING -- Krone atop Mitchell trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post in full field of sprinters, A Real King or....? DIVINE ASSURANCE -- Draws outer post for dash claimer, P. Val aboard Sherman trainee, capable Northern California-based conditioner with top jock in tow. Value Play -- DARETO

5th Race -- EXCEEDING -- Nakatani on Baffert trainee, draws inner box for Cal-bred maiden sprint, bred to be an early winner hailing from solid barn. JONES TALE -- Draws outer post for sprint outing, Solis scales Headley trainee, jockey-trainer combo dangerous pair. Value Play -- RANCH HAND

6th Race -- CRAFTY MADNESS -- Draws good inner post for mile starter allowance outing, P. Val aboard Cerin trainee, should get a catbird trip here. CRYPTOSCRIPT -- Draws just inside top pick, hustling Pedroza on Sadler trainee, another with a possible ground-saving trip here. Value Play -- SIRACOQUE

7th Race -- PRAIRIE PREDATOR -- Draws rail box for turf marathon feature, P. Val on Bray trainee for owner Madeleine Paulson, respect connections. JUSTICE MINISTER -- Espinoza aboard young Mulhall trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, draws good spot as well, also respect connections. Value Play -- JACK'S SILVER

8th Race -- CHADWICK'S WELL -- Irish-bred draws crafty post for mile finale, Stevens aboard Gaines trainee, switches from turf to dirt here. CORNICOPIA -- Draws just outside top pick, Espinoza on Lynch trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, home team for maiden/claiming nightcap. Value Play -- IVAN MOTLEY