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

Wednesday, March 26, 2003 | 9:24 a.m.

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

Thursday's card

1st Race -- GAMBLING RENT -- Draws good box for two-furlong dash, Pedroza on owner Dutton trainee, race experience helps. BEWITCHING BARTOK -- Draws well for Cal-bred maiden opener, trainer Ward employs Quarter Horse rider Bautista, pop and go Bartok? Value Play -- A PERFECT DREAM

2nd Race -- BRAZIL NUT -- Espinoza atop co-owner Knapp trainee, draws well for this route claimer, a forward factor throughout. TRICKY TRAVIS -- Draws good rail post, Nakatani on Lewis trainee, no Tricky maneuvers should lead Travis to catbird trip. Value Play -- DIXIE THRILL

3rd Race -- CHAPEAU -- Draws good post for downhill allowance outing, Stevens scales McAnally trainee for owners Craig, tip of Chapeau for victory? REINE DES NEIGES -- Flores aboard Sise trainee, daws good outside post for run down the hillside, good spot for action. Value Play -- JEREMY'S QUEST

4th Race -- LAKE RAY -- Espinoza astride Ward trainee, draws good box for route claimer, sitting on victory trip? LIBOR -- Draws inner spot here, Nakatani atop Hofmans trainee, adds blinkers for this outing. Value Play -- MR. ROADWAY

5th Race -- HASTA LAVISTA BABY -- Brazilian-bred draws good spot here, Nakatani on Puhich trainee, says Hasta Lavista Baby to foes? AFFIRM CAT -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, draws good outside post for sprint claimer, Cat to Affirm contention here. Value Play -- MAJESTERICAL

6th Race -- SUSIE JOE'S -- Smith on Spawr trainee, needs crafty trip from inner post draw at sprint distance, Susie ready to be Joe's graduation run? ANGEL ON TRACK -- Draws outside box for maiden/claimer, Stevens sits Gallagher trainee, this Angel may be On Track for diploma. Value Play -- RED NECK LADY

7th Race -- GOLDEN DRAGON -- British bred training at Hollypark, draws good box for turf mile feature, Espinoza atop Puype trainee for lessee Cobra Farms, Inc. MARSHALL ROOSTER -- Another British horse training across town, Nakatani aboard Dollace trainee, fits this allowance/claimer well. Value Play -- SPLENDID TIMES

8th Race -- DISTINCTIVE FLYER -- Smith scales Mayberry trainee, needs crafty trip from inner post draw at sprint distance, wins if lives up to namesake. GREEK BALLET -- Draws middle box for nightcap maiden/claimer, Espinoza on Gaines trainee, may dance with diploma right into winners circle. Value Play -- KNOCKOUT CROWN