Ralph Siraco’s selections for Friday’s races at Del Mar

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003 | 9:15 a.m.

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

Friday's card

1st Race -- GOT THE MESSAGE -- Draws good post for sprint opener, hustling Pedroza on Spawr trainee, backers hope foes Got The Message here. REALITY CHECK -- Espinoza on Cardenas trainee, draws well for Cal-bred claiming dash, maybe foes will get Reality Check as the message. Value Play -- DIAMOND DAWN

2nd Race -- DRAMATIC COPY -- Valenzuela aboard one of two Baffert-trained entries, this one for owner Golden Eagle Farm, Dramatic win gets diploma Copy. ACTION THIS DAY -- Solis scales Mandella trainee for owner Hughes, draws well for mile maiden outing, backers hope for graduation Action This Day. Value Play -- COLDNTIGHT

3rd Race -- TON A RUN -- Flores aboard Baffert trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, draws outside post in sprint maiden/claimer, has Ton of Run? CIMARRON HILLS -- Hustling Pedroza on Morey Jr. horse, draws alongside top pick, graduation possibilities for Cimarron down-Hills? Value Play -- WINTER GOLD

4th Race -- STANDING TALL -- Valenzuela rides Mullins horse, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post at sprint distance, right jockey-trainer combo for victory. SABALUCIOUS -- Nakatani on Hess trainee, needs crafty trip from rail post in sophomore claiming dash, shortest trip to victory? Value Play -- HAPPY AND HASTY

5th Race -- GO MAX GO -- Draws good post in full field of maiden/claimers at 7 panels, Berrio atop Spawr trainee, adds blinkers for this diploma try. GLOBAL HAWK -- Steiner gets chance on Baffert trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post draw, hails from leading barn. Value Play -- LONG DIVISION

6th Race -- QUAKE -- Nakatani atop Mandella horse, draws good post for turf route, good spot for action. ALBATROS -- Argentine-bred draws good inner box for claimer, Valenzuela on Spawr trainee for owners Craig, always gives good account at this level. Value Play -- EYE PEA OH

7th Race -- VALIANT EDGE -- Flores aboard Harty trainee for owner Darley Stud Management, must overcome outside post in mile feature, solid connections. FLY TO THE WIRE -- Stevens scales Bacorn trainee, draws good post for two-turn stakes, backers hope he lives up to namesake. Value Play -- EXCESS SUMMER

8th Race -- BUNDLE THIS -- Baze aboard Sadler trainee, draws good post for two-turn maiden/claimer, Bundle This diploma for backers. TRIBAL TRICK -- Training at Santa Anita, draws alongside top pick in route finale, P. Val aboard Ward trainee here. Value Play -- PRESENTER