Ralph Siraco’s Santa Anita selections

Wednesday, March 3, 2004 | 9:55 a.m.

Thursday's card

1st Race -- ALPINE SINGER -- Draws good post for short sprint opener, Solis scales Eurton trainee, backers hope to be singing the victory song here. MS POWFUL -- baze aboard Canani trainee for owner Gill, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in claiming dash, is Powful powerful enough to win this? Value Play -- FOR MY ANGEL

2nd Race -- CHALET CHANTEUSE -- Bug boy Bisono atop Hines trainee, draws good box for tag dash, might be gone here. WILD GLORY -- Training at Hollypark, draws alongside top pick for sophomore filly sprint, Santiago astride Cardenas trainee here. Value Play -- LUNGE

3rd Race -- CRASH MCGOON -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, need crafty trip from post draw in mile maiden/claimer, been knocking on diploma door. VERY DECENT -- Training at Hollypark, draws good inner post for two-turn distance, Martinez aboard O'Neill trainee. Value Play -- SPEECHMAKER

4th Race -- KIRTLE -- British-bred training at San Luis Rey center, Smith scales De Seroux trainee, fits this allowance/claimer well. MANDELA -- German-bred draws good rail post for turf route outing, Solis sits Frankel trainee, respect connections. Value Play -- KISS AND FLY

5th Race -- AMBER TWILIGHT -- Nakatani on Mitchell trainee, returns in good spot and distance, a factor at this bottom-level claimer. SNOQUALMIE RIDGE -- Draws alongside top pick in tag dash, Puglisi atop Hess trainee, fits this heat well. Value Play -- WOMAN ONFASTTRACK

6th Race -- REVELLO -- Draws good post for sprint claimer, Baze aboard another Canani trainee for owner Gill, team could have a big day. STOCKS ARE RISING -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, speedster draws good post for tag dash, a factor throughout. Value Play -- HIGHLY TEMPTING

7th Race -- SPIRIT OF NATURE -- Espinoza aboard Shirreffs trainee for owners Moss, draws good post for downhill feature, Nature Of victory is Spirit to win. SHOOT -- British-bred draws inner box for down-the-dip allowance run, Solis scales Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, need we say more? Value Play -- TENDER TEEN

8th Race -- BETPHONE -- Draws good outside post for sprint nightcap, hustling Pedroza on Stute trainee, Betphone to call in graduation here? MEETMEATTHEGRILL -- Training at Hollypark, draws alongside top pick for maiden/claiming dash, Baze aboard owner Marquez trainee, Meet-me-at-the-grill for celebration dinner on diploma. Value Play -- CAFE PHOTO