Ralph Siraco’s Santa Anita selections

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004 | 9:56 a.m.

Thursday's card

1st Race -- OVERTON CRUISER -- Draws good inner post for mile opener, Nakatani atop Lewis trainee, could trip out in freshman maiden/claimer. STORMIN AWAY -- Has rail box for this two-turn tag run, Stevens scales Mullins trainee, tough team for graduation try. Value Play -- FREDDY CAT

2nd Race -- PRIVATE WAR -- Court atop Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, starts from rail in small five-horse route outing, respect connections. MUD SHARK -- Nakatani stays on Baffert trainee, draws outside box in two-turn allowance run, fits this heat well. Value Play -- FORTY SUERTUDO

3rd Race -- GIRLS SECRETS -- Draws good middle post for sprint claimer, Stevens scales Mullins trainee for owner Bone, solid productive team. BLAZING BARTOK -- Hustling Pedroza on Spawr trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in tag dash, a factor here. Value Play -- TITA EMERALD

4th Race -- TERPSICHORE -- In good rail post in full field at turf mile distance, Espinoza aboard Canani trainee, could trip out in this spot. STORMY SENORITA -- Has alongside top pick for two-turn allowance outing, Douglas on O'Neill trainee, follows top pick for ground-saving trip? Value Play -- SCORE SIX

5th Race -- CAPITOLA -- Douglas astride Spawr trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in sprint claimer, hails from solid barn. JACIRO -- In middle post in tag dash, Desormeaux on Bonde trainee, good spot for action. Value Play -- PLAYGIRL

6th Race -- TERRITORIAL -- Espinoza on Mulhall trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post at sprint distance, hard-luck runner overdue for diploma. UNCLE DENNY -- Draws good box for Cal-bred freshman maiden special weight dash, Douglas atop one of two Becerra-trained entries, Denny makes foes say Uncle here? Value Play -- SPORTY MCGEE

7th Race -- LUCAYAN BEAUTY -- Irish-bred has middle post in mile turf feature, Desormeaux on one of two Becerra-trained entries, good spot for action. LOST BRIDE -- Draws good inner post for grass claimer, Espinoza aboard Mitchell trainee, Bride found in winners circle? Value Play -- CAMP DEL MAR RULES

8th Race -- BALLERINA CAT -- Starts from good outer post for first-year filly dash, Espinoza on Knapp trainee, Cat-quick to dance for diploma? COMEDY EVENT -- Draws alongside top pick in maiden/claiming sprint, Puglisi aboard Machowsky trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, graduation Event no joke for connections. Value Play -- MUDDY HALO