Ralph Siraco’s selections for Thursday’s races at Hollywood Park

Wednesday, June 25, 2003 | 9:51 a.m.

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

1st Race -- LASHBURN -- Draws inner box for dash opener, Baze aboard one of two Baffert-trained entries, this one for owner McIngvale. THISGIGISOVER -- This is the other Baffert trainee, Pedroza on for owner Pegram, all-Baffert quinella here? Value Play -- BRENDON'S GOAL

2nd Race -- SPIRIT RUN -- Draws good outer box in sprint allowance/claimer, P. Val atop Aguirre trainee for owner JPF Investments, potent team. HONEST ANSWER -- Nakatani aboard Baffert trainee for Thoroughbred Corporation, distance Answer to a victory, well spotted--Honest. Value Play -- MISS NEW YORK

3rd Race -- LIBOR -- Solis scales Hofmans trainee, draws good post for claimer, fits this sophomore group. TWO THIRTY SEVEN -- Draws alongside top pick, Espinoza aboard co-owner Dutton trainee, Two Thirty Seven best at 2:20 PM? Value Play -- GHOST MEMO

4th Race -- GRAND VIEW GIRLS -- Part of LaCroix-trained coupled entry RONNIE'S A STAR, Martinez here, Baze there, double diploma threat. JEWEL OF THE CAT -- Part of Dutton Stables-owned and Dutton-trained coupled entry with FREE RENT, Valdivia here, Puglisi there, another 2-for-1 deal. Value Play -- L.A. TOOTIE

5th Race -- TONY'S LOC -- Nuesch atop Van Berg trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw at route claimer, Loc at bottom level for Tony's backers? ECHELON -- Draws good post for two-turner, Baze aboard Sadler trainee, good trip may be all this one needs. Value Play -- YAZZERO

6th Race -- ALBATROS -- Argentine-bred draws outside post in turf route, Valenzuela aboard O'Neill trainee, needs crafty trip here. DERECK -- Another Argentine-bred who fits this heat well, draws good rail post for trip, Nakatani astride Carava trainee. Value Play -- SURPRIZED

7th Race -- LE MANS -- Flores scales young Mandella trainee, fits this allowance feature well, catbird trip may end in winners circle. FIRE TRUCK -- Draws alongside top pick in route outing, Nakatani atop Baffert trainee for owner Stonerside Stable, extinguishes foes? Value Play -- JACK'S SILVER

8th Race -- ELUSIVE INDIAN -- Stevens scales owner Ward trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in short dash, sharp start makes Elusive target? BOBBY DAZZLER -- Smith aboard Bray trainee, needs prompt start from outer post in nightcap maiden dash, Dazzler performance by Bobby gets graduation. Value Play -- ROCK N ROSH