Ralph Siraco’s Del Mar selections

Thursday, July 29, 2004 | 9:32 a.m.

Friday's card

1st Race -- IMAGOLDSEEKER -- Draws good inside post for two-turn turf opener, Flores aboard Cerin trainee, backers to seek gold in winners circle. FREE RENT -- Baze aboard owner Dutton trainee, draws good box for grass claimer, victory pays the Rent. Value Play -- KIMMY'S KID

2nd Race -- ROJO TORO -- Passed sprint stakes for this spot, Steiner atop one-of-two Baffert-trained 'hidden entry', the one to beat here. RUSHIN TO ALTAR -- Espinoza on McAnally trainee, fits this sprint allowance outing well, likes this seaside track. Value Play -- QUESTION

3rd Race -- MISS FLOR -- French-bred draws good inner post for route maiden/claimer, Espinoza aboard Eurton trainee, Miss Flor-s foes for diploma? HIDDEN BEAUTY -- Draws alongside top pick for two-turn tag run, bug boy Bisono atop Marlow trainee, Hidden graduation a Beauty to backers. Value Play -- MY HEART

4th Race -- DEVIL BADGETT -- Nakatani atop Carava trainee, needs crafty trip from post draw in turf route outing, good spot for action. TALK THE WALK -- Draws alongside top pick, Smith scales Spawr trainee, backers hope this guy can Talk The Walk. Value Play -- LAKESIDE TRAIL

5th Race -- LEA'S PEAK -- Draws outer post in full field of maiden/claiming sprinters, Espinoza aboard Dutton trainee, Lea's Peak performance should produce diploma. SHELLIE'S SLEW -- Draws extreme outside post in Cal-bred dash, bug boy Ruis atop young Dollace trainee, graduation to Slew foes? Value Play -- CHEROKEE SPIRES

6th Race -- GOLD BANKERS GOLD -- Draws good outer post for sprint claimer, Espinoza astride O'Neill trainee, Gold backers to Banker's Gold? GREY MISTY -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in tag dash, solid jockey-trainer combo. Value Play -- ORCHID THIEF

7th Race -- BELLESKI -- Returns to races in turf sprint feature, Espinoza atop Sadler trainee for owners Moss, need only be ready to roll to win. SHEZSOSPIRITUAL -- Draws good inner post for grass dash stakes, Baze aboard Cerin trainee, likes this trip. Value Play -- THE TOAST OF TROY

8th Race -- DUBAI DOLLY -- Draws good inner post for route maiden/claimer, John on Ward trainee, sans blinkers for this diploma try. GOOD EATER -- Nakatani aboard Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, must overcome outside post in two-turn finale, graduation will provide backers with apitite for Good Eater-eee. Value Play -- ICEMAN MISS