Ralph Siraco’s Del Mar selections

Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004 | 9:54 a.m.

Friday's card

1st Race -- PRESUMPTION -- Espinoza aboard Hess trainee, draws well for small field in sprint opener, the Presumption here is a victory. GREY MISTY -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, outside box for sophomore claiming dash, win in the Grey area? Value Play -- ORCHID THIEF

2nd Race -- SUNNY STREET -- In good post for sprint maiden/claimer, Desormeaux on Hendricks trainee, victory puts backers on Sunny side of the Street. OUR EMMY -- Bug boy Bisono atop one-of-two O'Neill-trained entry, adds blinkers for this. Value Play -- ELEANOR ROSE

3rd Race -- CHEROKEE SPIRES -- Desormeaux on Sise trainee, has good box for sprint starter allowance, good as any in this spot. BURNING AFFAIR -- Draws outside post for filly dash, Espinoza aboard co-owner Dominguez trainee, adds blinkers for this try. Value Play -- MY PEPPERMINTPATTY

4th Race -- KEWEN -- Baze aboard young Mandella trainee, draws outside box in grass marathon, fits this heat well. GALLANT -- British-bred runner training at Hollypark, hustling Pedroza on Jory trainee in long allowance/claiming turf run, good spot for action. Value Play -- INTERCEPTOR

5th Race -- MISS BOBBIE QUICK -- Starts from good post in full field of maiden sprinters, Puglisi aboard co-owner Aguirre trainee, jockey-trainer cagey team. GEE'S BEND -- Has outer box in first-year filly Cal-bred dash, Smith scales Puhich trainee, Gee's don't Bend the diploma. Value Play -- DANCING EDIE

6th Race -- COURAGEOUS ACT -- Ships back to coast for trainer Baffert, Espinoza on Bob & Beverly Lewis-owned runner, fits this feature well. BORREGO -- Another returnee from Triple Crown trail, Baze aboard Greely trainee for mile stakes, may need one first? Value Play -- JIMMY'S INSTINCT

7th Race -- DIRTY DIANA -- Flores aboard Baffer trainee, draws good box for short turf sprint, pop and go here. EXCESSED -- Baze aboard Mitchell trainee, draws good inner post for allowance/claiming grass dash, another forward factor. Value Play -- TIZAKITTY

8th Race -- QUEST FOR NIRVANA -- Draws good outer post for 7-panel finale, Baze aboard one of two O'Neill-trained entries in this race, Quest For diploma Nirvana for backers. MONARCHIAN -- Hustling Pedroza on the other O'Neill trainee, draws good post for long one-turn maiden/claimer, all-O'Neill nightcap quinella? Value Play -- MEETING ENDED