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

Friday, Sept. 5, 2003 | 9:38 a.m.

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

Saturday's card

1st Race -- QUEST FOR RAIN -- Pedroza on Canani trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, needs crafty trip from post draw in mile opener, Rain to shine here? PARA USTED -- Valenzuela aboard Mitchell trainee, fits this level and distance, will be rolling late. Value Play -- DREAM WEEKEND

2nd Race -- ALOZAINA -- Irish-bred draws outside box in six-filly field at turf mile, Nakatani on McAnally trainee, well spotted here. REEFS SIS -- British-bred draws good spot in allowance/claimer, P. Val atop Walsh trainee, a factor throughout. Value Play -- XTRASENSORY

3rd Race -- QUICK COVER -- Draws good middle post in sprint maiden outing, Pedroza on West trainee, Quick effort puts Cover on foes. SHE'S THE GENERAL -- Espinoza on Becerra trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post at dash distance, General pulls rank on foes? Value Play -- COKE'S MELODY

4th Race -- RUSHIN' TO ALTAR -- Good closing effort in Del Mar stakes in last, Nakatani returns on McAnally trainee, race could shape up for late runner. AVANZADO -- Argentine-bred returns to racing wars in this spot, Baze back aboard O'Neill trainee, sans blinkers for comeback. Value Play -- YANKEE GENTLEMAN

5th Race -- MISS ALYETTA -- Draws good inner post for turf route, Stevens scales Vienna trainee, could trip out in this spot. DAVIS EYES -- Alvarado on McAnally trainee, draws good rail post for sod allowance/claimer, adds blinkers for this outing. Value Play -- VAMOS NINA

6th Race -- ODDS ON -- Stevens scales one of two Baffert-trained entries, draws good post for maiden sprint, offspring of Sliver Charm. AEROJACK -- The other Baffert horse gets Flores aboard, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, Baffert freshman quienlla brewing? Value Play -- TOUGH NEGOTIATOR

7th Race -- WILD CARD DECK -- Flores aboard Lynch trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, draws good middle post for sprint outing, the Wild Card here? ROCK ISLAND SALAMI -- Baze aboard this Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, draws good post for starter allowance dash, Rock solid effort gets win. Value Play -- RETIREES THREE

8th Race -- CALIFORNIAN -- British-bred with Golden State name, Espinoza on young Mullhal trainee, good spot to get grass Derby. BIS REPETITAS -- Draws good inner post for route turf stakes, Nakatani on Frankel horse for owner Gann, has a victory over the course. Value Play -- SWEET RETURN

9th Race -- GANEDYL -- Likes seaside track, Fores aboard Glatt trainee, looks for another 'Turf 'n Surf' victory. HONEST GRADE -- Draws alongside top pick for sprint claimer, P. Val on Machowsky trainee, Honest effort here may make the Grade. Value Play -- HOPEFUL SEASON

10th Race -- GASSAN ROCK -- Valenzuela aboard Mitchell horse, draws good post for sprint nightcap maiden/claimer, diploma etched in Rock here? TURN TO VICTORY -- Hustling Pedroza on Cerin trainee, draws good box for freshman dash, backers will Turn To Victory for finale victory. Value Play -- IZA BIG STAR