Ralph Siraco’s Del Mar selections

Friday, Aug. 27, 2004 | 9:40 a.m.

Saturday's card

1st Race -- ULLOA -- Nakatani atop Hess trainee, speedy runner draws inner post for sprint claimer, a forward factor throughout. ALPHABETIC -- Draws good middle post for tag dash opener, Espinoza aboard Mullins trainee, barn always dangerous. Value Play -- JACK'S SILVER

2nd Race -- PROCESSOR -- Part of Bob & Beverly Lewis-owned & Baffert-trained coupled entry with CHIPS ARE DOWN, Nakatani here, Flores there, double diploma threat. GOLDEN SPEAR -- Baze aboard Becerra trainee for owner Stronach Stables, draws well in freshman maiden sprint, Spear-heads Golden graduation? Value Play -- GENTLEMAN COUNT

3rd Race -- ESPY -- Smith scales Mandella trainee, draws good rail post in mile allowance/claimer, shortest trip to winners circle. DROUGHT BREAKER -- Draws alongside top pick for two-turner, Nakatani atop Spawr trainee, breaks Drought for backers? Value Play -- EMBRASSE MOI

4th Race -- SHE'S TROUBLE -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, has good outer post in full field of maiden/claiming sprinters, backers hope She's Trouble for foes. BLUE CAY -- Starts from outer post for tag dash, Espinoza on Bell trainee, Cay for Blue-ribbon diploma. Value Play -- COLLECTOR'S CLUB

5th Race -- DEFCON FIVE -- Baze rides O'Neill trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in sprint claimer, Defcon foes at six for Five? FOUNTAIN GROVE -- Draws good box for tag dash, Espinoza on Ellis trainee, Grove in the groove for Fountain of cash? Value Play -- FISHERMAN'S FRIEND

6th Race -- PLANNING SURPRISES -- Has good middle post in Cal-bred maiden sprint outing, Nakatani atop Baffert trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, Planning graduation for no Surprises here. A QUIET BEAUTY -- Starts alongside top pick for first-year filly dash, Baze aboard Mullins trainee, A Quiet diploma is Beauty to backers. Value Play -- APOLOGY ACCEPTED

7th Race -- KINGDOM COME -- Irish-bred draws well in mile turf outing, Nakatani atop Gallagher trainee, good spot for action. SPECIAL RATE -- Part of Juddmonte Farms-owned & Frankel-trained coupled entry with PRIVATE WAR, Valdivia here, bug boy Ruis there, double sod threat. Value Play -- MENUHIN

8th Race -- SOUVENIR GIFT -- Ships in again from San Luis Rey training center, Baze aboard Semkin trainee, filly is a hard knocker and fits this title-decider well. NO BULL BABY -- Nakatani aboard Baffert trainee for owners Earnhardt, draws good box for 7-panel Grade I feature, competition will tell of she's No Bull Baby or not. Value Play -- PROPOSED (A-entry)

9th Race -- UNCLE JACK -- Espinoza on Jones trainee, has good inner post for route claimer, Jack could become favorite Uncle here. ALBATROS -- Argentine-bred is hard-knocker, Court atop O'Neill trainee, well spotted at this level and trip. Value Play -- ARBITER

10th Race -- OREANDA -- On rail for turf route finale, bug boy Ruis aboard Gaines trainee, shortest trip to graduate? GEM ROYALE -- Bug boy Bisono atop Frankel trainee, must overcome outside post for chance at diploma, connections are right. Value Play -- JUSTLY ROYAL