Ralph Siraco’s selections for Thursday’s races

Wednesday, May 28, 2003 | 9:44 a.m.

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

Thursday's card

1st Race -- AUSSIE GIRL -- Martinez on O'Neill trainee, draws good post for route opener, repeat come-from-behind win on the way? CLEVER MISS CAPER -- Baze aboard Sadler trainee, well spotted at this level claimer, Caper may be Clever Miss victress here. Value Play -- MY SWEET LUCY

2nd Race -- AMERICAN CZARINA -- P. Val atop Dollace trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw for turf route, respect connections. PERTUISANE -- British-bred draws good inner post for allowance outing, Nakatani on co-owner Frankel trainee, leave out this barn at own risk. Value Play -- MELODY BLUE

3rd Race -- WEB CASTER -- Training at Santa Anita, Smith scales Spawr trainee, ready to cast Web over diploma here. FRENCHIE -- Espinoza aboard Cardenas trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw in route maiden/claimer, Frenchie fries foes to graduate? Value Play -- CHEZ LA FEMME

4th Race -- CHAMPAGNE NOW -- Draws good middle post for short maiden dash, Nakatani on Hofmans trainee, Champagne for backers if she wins Now. BEACH PIZZA -- Nuesch atop La Croix trainee for owner Meadowbrook Farms, needs to be quick from the blocks with post draw, solid baby connections. Value Play -- KIND LENA

5th Race -- ANIMA MUNDI -- Irish-bred draws inner box for turf dash, Nakatani atop Aguirre trainee, good spot for action. SHY PATADA -- Argentine-bred needs crafty trip from outer post in sod sprint, hustling Espinoza on Vienna trainee, hot-a-Pa-ta-da here? Value Play -- MALIBU STACEY

6th Race -- CANTALOUPE -- Draws middle post for 7-panel allowance outing, Espinoza on Cardenas trainee, this melon ripe for victory? SPIRIT RUN -- P. Val aboard Aguirre trainee for owner JPF Investments, draws good post in Cal-bred outing, jockey and trainer solid pair. Value Play -- PAM IN THE GYM

7th Race -- BELLESKI -- Top jock Espinoza atop Sadler trainee for owners Moss, draws good box for turf dash feature, pick in tough heat. GABRIELLINA GIOF -- British-bred draws rail box for allowance/claimer, Nakatani on McAnally trainee, good spot to pop up with big effort. Value Play -- ICANTGOFORTHAT

8th Race -- AREYOUTALKINTOME -- Draws good post for short nightcap dash, P. Val atop Mitchell trainee, Are-you-talkin-graduation-to-me-here? TRICKINTHEPARK -- Pedroza aboard Sise trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in maiden/claiming finale, Trick-to-Park in winners circle? Value Play -- LAGO MAGGIORE