Ralph Siraco’s Santa Anita selections

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003 | 9:29 a.m.

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- AVIAN -- Hot-riding Baze aboard here, draws good post for sprint opener, fits this level and spot well. PEARL HUNT -- Needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, Berrio gets the assignment, backers hope the Pearl stays in the Hunt. Value Play -- REATTA PASS

2nd Race -- LUCKBEALADYTONIGHT -- Draws good post for sprint maiden/claimer, Fogelsonger gets the call, backers hope Luck-be-a-kind-lady-winner-today. CURLY'S PRIDE -- Farina on this one, draws inner box for freshman claimer, the Pride of graduation is Curly's goal. Value Play -- AVALANCHE BAY

3rd Race -- DEMON WARLOCK -- Desormeaux in the saddle, draws good outside box for downhill run, Demon deadly here? ZAYED -- Solis scales this one, needs crafty journey from rail post down the hill, fits this claiming level. Value Play -- SAINT LORENZO

4th Race -- PINE BEND -- Baze lands here, draws good post for dash distance, Pine not to Bend in diploma effort here? HOO GETS THE GOLD -- Fogelsonger in the irons, needs prompt start and quick early foot from outside post in maiden/claimer, does Hoo get The Gold? Value Play -- SPACE INVADER

5th Race -- INESPERADO -- French-bred fits this spot well, P. Val aboard solid runner, outside draw in small five-horse turf outing. DENIED -- Solid target here, Espinoza in the saddle, could be elusive in turf mile allowance outing. Value Play -- NICOBAR

6th Race -- MUD SHARK -- P. Val to help here, draws well for this maiden outing, been knocking on diploma door. SKIDOO -- Draws good rail post in route outing, Espinoza aboard for this, rail trip could be Skidoo graduation. Value Play -- YOUNG PIONEER

7th Race -- ROUNDTREE -- Irish-bred gets Desormeaux here, draws good middle post for the downhill feature, circles foes and roots out victory. SHARPBILL -- British-bred draws outside box, P. Val on, Sharp run down the hill could lead to greenback bills for backers. Value Play -- HONEYPENNY

8th Race -- EXPLOITIVE -- Solis scales for finale, draws good inner post for route maiden/claimer, Exploitive effort leads to diploma. DEE DEE'S CAT -- Draws good rail post for mile nightcap, Desormeaux along here, shortest route to winners circle? Value Play -- SCROFA