Ralph Siraco’s Del Mar selections

Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004 | 9:52 a.m.

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- TITA EMERALD -- Draws good post for two-turn turf opener, Espinoza on Gonzalez trainee, Tita ready for a gem of a victory? TERPSICHORE -- Bug boy Ruis atop Canani trainee, needs crafty trip from outer post at grass route starter allowance outing, hails from heady barn. Value Play -- PALACE ROSE

2nd Race -- HOLLYWOODSETRIGHT -- Draws good box for sprint maiden/claimer, bug boy Ruis aboard Harrington trainee, the Set-is-Right-for-a-Hollywood ending? GIRLSINTHEOFFICE -- Baze aboard O'Neill trainee for owner Hollywood mogul Merv Griffin, draws inner post for tag dash, diploma document copies for the Girls-in-the-office? Value Play -- CHAIRMAN'S AGENDA

3rd Race -- GONDOLIERI -- Chilean-bred scratched out recently for this spot, Espinoza on McAnally trainee, fits this allowance/claimer well. GIFT OF THE EAGLE -- Smith scales Shirreffs trainee, draws convenient spot for mile outing, backers hope the Gift from The Eagle is a victory. Value Play -- TRULY A JUDGE

4th Race -- BACKUS -- Draws good post in full field of maidens at turf mile distance, Santiago atop Baffert trainee, backers to Backus graduation. TAGLEGA CREEK -- Smith scales co-owner Peterson trainee, draws good inner box for grass route, may leave foes up the Taglega Creek. Value Play -- WHO'S ALEYNA

5th Race -- ROYAL FOOTAGE -- Nakatani atop Hess trainee, draws good post for sprint claimer, fits this level well. BIG MOUNTAIN -- Bug boy Bisono aboard O'Neill trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post for tag dash, owned by Let's Get Lucky Racing stable...hmmm? Value Play -- STOCKS ARE RISING

6th Race -- FULL MOON MADNESS -- Hard-knocking gelding lands here with other hickory old timers, Desormeaux on Marshall trainee, in for low tag. MEN'S EXCLUSIVE -- Another gutty hard-knocking gelding, once was Graded stakes winner, Baze aboard Ward trainee for this. Value Play -- DISTURBINGTHEPEACE

7th Race -- VENCER -- Draws good post for two-turn turf feature, Flores aboard Harty trainee, good spot for winning effort. LAST TIME IN TOWN -- Espinoza on Mullins trainee for owner Fog City Stable, draws rail post for grass allowance/claimer, connections always dangerous. Value Play -- SEA OF SILVER

8th Race -- BEAT THE CHALK -- Draws good middle post for full field of maiden/claiming sprinters, Espinoza aboard Mullins trainee, Beat The Chalk may be the chalk to take diploma here. YAK THE DESERT RAT -- Draws alongside top pick in nightcap tag dash, Flores astride Baffert trainee for owner Natalie Baffert, all-in-the-family graduation? Value Play -- TIZ BUENO