Ralph Siraco’s Del Mar selections

Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005 | 9:48 a.m.

Friday's card

1st Race -- VATCHESVENDETTA -- Nakatani again on Abrams trainee, been knocking on diploma door, gets right trip here. YEARLY ATITUDE -- P. Val aboard young Stute trainee, must overcome outside post in mile maiden turf outing, rider best chance for graduation. Value Play -- TRIPLE STRAND

2nd Race -- ABBI'S CHOICE -- Espinoza aboard Mullins trainee for owner Bone, draws good box for sprint claimer, hot beach team. WINDOW B -- Draws good outer post for tag dash, P. val on Ward trainee, cagey barn. Value Play -- BEAR ON MY MIND

3rd Race -- RUBY J -- Draws good middle post in full field of maiden/claiming sprinters, Douglas astride Cardenas trainee, J the gem of graduation? LEGITIMATE THREAT -- P. Val atop Aguirre trainee, draws good box for tag dash, Legitimate diploma Threat here. Value Play -- CHAIRMAN'S AGENDA

4th Race -- BLACKJACK GAMBLER -- Draws good box for Cal-bred maiden sprint, P. Val on DeLeon trainee, double-down diploma. SILVER RECALL -- Espinoza aboard co-owner Dutton trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post at dash distance, Silver goes for the gold here. Value Play -- ARMENIAN SUMMER

5th Race -- PRESUMPTION -- Draws good box for sprint claimer, Nakatani atop Hess trainee, good spot for action. JACK'S SILVER -- P. Val aboard Mitchell trainee, draws good outer post for tag dash, Jack's may be backs. Value Play -- SABALUCIOUS

6th Race -- ERIK'S THE CHARM -- Smith scales Shirreffs trainee for owners Moss, draws outside box for turf allownace sprint, Kentucky Derby team to reunite in winners circle here? YES MASTER -- Draws alongside top pick in grass dash, P. Val astride O'Neill trainee, adds blinkers for this try. Value Play -- WHATA SOLDIER

7th Race -- SHIMMER -- Draws good rail post in grass mile allowance feature, Espinoza here for trainer Shirreffs and owners Moss, shortest trip to winners circle? FARNHAM -- Nakatani atop Dollace trainee, must overcome outside post in two-turn turf run, first left turn will tell the tale. Value Play -- REY LAKE

8th Race -- KEPT PROMISE -- Espinoza on Duncan trainee, draws nice spot for maiden/claiming sprint, adds blinkers trying to keep graduation Promise. MOOD ROUTE -- John on Polanco trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post at dash distance, right Mood gets Route a sprint diploma? Value Play -- TEMBLOR