Ralph Siraco’s Del Mar selections

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004 | 9:04 a.m.

Thursday's card

1st Race -- SENFULLY EASY -- Hustling Pedroza on one-of-two Carava-trained 'hidden entry', needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in short sprint opener, could be Senfully Easy? PRINCESS MALICE -- Sorenson on Cardenas trainee, draws outside box in claiming dash, rider having solid meet. Value Play -- SHE'S A FREEBIE

2nd Race -- FALLFREE -- Nakatani aboard Polanco trainee, draws outer post in small five-horse field at dash distance, free-falling-victory? ARCH STANTON -- Draws alongside top pick in Cal-bred freshman allowance/claimer, Espinoza on Bonde trainee, cagey connections. Value Play -- WIND WATER

3rd Race -- A.P. CARSON -- Draws good post in full field of maiden/claiming sprinters, Espinoza atop Cerin trainee, bred for early success. CRIMSONITE -- Baze aboard Sadler trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post in tag dash, speed needed for best chance at graduation. Value Play -- OBTUSE

4th Race -- SHY PATADA -- Argentine-bred draws rail box in five-horse sprint claimer, Flores aboard Sherman trainee, been knocking on the door. ACLEVERSHADEOFJADE -- Martinez on Garcia trainee, draws outside post for tag dash, could trip out in this spot. Value Play -- BRITE BETTY

5th Race -- LION SPIRIT -- Baze aboard O'Neill trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post at dash distance, solid connections for graduation chance. BOSTON GLORY -- Draws alongside top pick for freshman maiden/claiming sprint, Nakatani atop Harty trainee, Glory for Boston is Del Mar diploma. Value Play -- DANCES WITH CZARS

6th Race -- COMMERCANT VIC -- Draws good rail post for mile claimer, Garcia stays on Mullins trainee, shortest trip to winners circle? BOURBON PARTY -- Baze aboard Sadler trainee, draws alongside top pick for two-turn tag run, another with short trip possible. Value Play -- STAND BY YOUR FLAG

7th Race -- JIPAPIBAQUIGRAFO -- Flores aboard one-of-two Frankel-trained 'hidden entry', this for owner TNT Stud, victory as easy as pronouncing name? GULCHIE -- British-bred draws good box for allowance/claiming turf route, hustling Pedroza on Mulhall trainee, adds blinkers for this try. Value Play -- ASTARAK

8th Race -- GLOBAL EMPIRE -- Santiago atop Mullins trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, draws good inner post for mile nightcap, hails from hot stable, delete at own risk. COLD MARKET -- Draws good box for two-turn maiden/claimer, bug boy Bisono astride Lewis trainee, Market for graduation could turn hot for Cold. Value Play -- FINANCIAL