Ralph Siraco’s Del Mar selections

Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004 | 9:50 a.m.

Wednesday's card

1st Race -- DITCH DIGGER -- Argentine-bred draws good box for sprint opener, Smith scales Spawr trainee, tough hard-knoking gelding always give his best. CARTHAGE -- Desormeaux atop Ellis trainee, draws inner post for dash claimer, may fire fresh. Value Play -- AWARD WINNING TEAM

2nd Race -- CHANEL ISLANDS -- On rail for mile maiden/claimer, Espinoza aboard Mitchell trainee, barn is having a banner beach season. ON LOCATION -- Santiago atop young Mandella trainee, draws good inner box for two-turner, adds blinkers for this diploma try. Value Play -- ICEMAN MISS

3rd Race -- SLEW'S PRINCE -- Baze aboard Sise trainee, draws good post for allowance/claiming turf sprint, edge in tight fit. WITNESS THIS -- Hustling Espinoza on Mullins trainee, draws outside box for grass dash, leave this stable out at your own risk. Value Play -- BILLY'S ECHO

4th Race -- FARNHAM -- Draws good inner post for mile maiden outing, Nakatani atop young Dollace trainee, adds blinkers for this diploma try. MISS THIRTY FOUR D -- Has good inner box for two-turner as well, Baze aboard Gallagher trainee, cup fits for graduation? Value Play -- KALAHARI CAT

5th Race -- CONTTONUOUS PEAKS -- Part of Equils-owned & Knapp-trained coupled entry with HIGHLY ARROGANT, hustling Pedroza here, Court there, double tag-team threat here. CONCEAL THE DEAL -- Nakatani atop Sadler trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in sprint claimer, closes The Deal with good run. Value Play -- NORMANDY PRINCESS

6th Race -- SEEKING THE HEART -- Draws well for two-turn turf outing, Smith scales Mandella trainee, The Heart Seeking the winners circle here. M.A. FOX -- Fell short in last turf outing, Desormeaux on Stute trainee for owner Hughes, makes ammends in this grass allowance/claimer? Value Play -- JEWEL OF THE YEAR

7th Race -- EXCESSIVELY NICE -- Flores aboard Baffert trainee for owner Earnhardt, bypassed Debutante for this Cal-bred stakes, all systems go. LADY TRUFFLES -- Starts alongside top pick in first-year filly sprint feature, Court astride Sadler trainee, Truffles to ruffles foes here? Value Play -- MEMORETTE

8th Race -- SYSTEMS STEVE -- Baze aboard Sadler trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in full field of maiden/claiming sprinters, all Systems go for Steve? PALE ONE -- Draws alongside top pick at inner post for tag dash nightcap, hustling Pedroza on Knapp trainee, One graduation for Pale run won? Value Play -- SINGING MEMO