Ralph Siraco’s selections for Thursday at Hollywood Park

Wednesday, May 14, 2003 | 9:05 a.m.

2nd Race -- STRIKING COBRA -- Draws outside box on short baby dash, Valdivia atop Puype trainee for lessee Cobra Farms, bred to win early. ALPENWALD -- Solis scales Harrington trainee, draws good post for maiden outing, connections know how to win with early starters. Value Play -- HOT WEEKEND

3rd Race -- OBERWALD -- Draws good post for turf route, Valdivia astride Harrington trainee, fits this group well. DEVOTE -- Flores sits Baffert trainee for owner McIngvale, draws rail post for claimer, should get the catbird trip in this. Value Play -- FIRST CLASS TRIP

4th Race -- KNOCKOUT CROWN -- Draws good box for sprint claimer, Nakatani on Carava trainee, Crown to Knockout foes for this. PARADISE PATTY -- P. Val atop Eurton trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inside post draw, Patty and Patrick provide Paradise for backers? Value Play -- STORMY SPIRIT

5th Race -- BIJOU QUEEN -- Draws good rail post for full field of maidens at turf mile distance, Smith sits Shirreffs trainee, Queen coronation here? IF BY MAGIC -- Training at Santa Anita, Solis scales Gonzalez trainee for owners McCaffery & Toffan, respect connections. Value Play -- SONIA

6th Race -- HONEYOFASCORE -- Draws good middle post for sprint claimer, Johnston aboard Stute trainee, to provide Honeyofascore for backers? PRINCESS NICOLETTE -- Hustling Pedroza aboard Abrams trainee, needs to be quick from the blocks with inner post, maybe Princess-of-a-score here? Value Play -- MY HONEY BUNNY

7th Race -- ROBERTO'S SHOW -- Draws good middle post in full field at turf mile, Nakatani returns on Sise trainee, should get better trip in this heat. PURPLE COP -- Flores aboard Baffert trainee, draws good inner box for the trip, Cop ready to arrest foes for victory in the Purple? Value Play -- JACK'S SILVER

8th Race -- PAPA'S PICKPOCKET -- Draws good post for full field in short dash finale, Pedroza on Sies trainee, Papa's set to Pickpocket diploma here. SIMPLY VICTORIOUS -- Nakatani aboard Moger Jr.-trainee, needs prompt start in maiden/claimer nightcap, ends day Simply Victorious? Value Play -- TWISTED HUMOR