Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections

Selections made for clear racing conditions before scratches

Thursday's card

1ST RACE:

Miguella - Dueled between foes and close 3rd in last, 4-wide 2nd before that, won at this trip three races back, although 1 for 17 at Anita in the quinella 7 of 8 starts at this distance with a trio of victories.

Tuta Niche - Freshened with steady works since Oak Tree, last victory came at Anita in March, runs well off a rest, good spot for action.

Value Play -- Karizma

2ND RACE:

Early Pioneer - Close 3rd in last when in need of a race, runnerup while claimed at this price at Oak Tree before that, in the quinella 5 of 6 starts at this distance with a pair of victories, Flores takes over on Cerin trainee.

Fearless So N So - Runner up as the favorite in Turf Paradise stakes in last, won at this level at Oak Tree while beating top pick before that, in the quinella 5 of most recent 6 starts with a trio of victories, returns here with Arizona pilot aboard.

Value Play -- Deuce Court

3RD RACE:

Princess Candi - Outrun and overmatched in Hollypark turf route in last, set pace in mile outing and second best at higher tag before that, smart works since raced, drops to lowest level now for diploma.

Fog City Baby - Broke well from outside post, dropped back and rallied late for debut 2nd in last, long drills continue, gets better post and extra distance, Solis stays for re-ride.

Value Play -- Gaminee

4TH RACE:

Bit O' Dixton - Pressed early while 4-wide and weakened when overmatched in last, nice on-the-pace maiden breaker before that, good works since raced, good spot for action.

Fast Gortikov - Dueled lead from inside and game debut maiden breaker on wet track in last, steady works since, placed realistic for repeat try, performance question remains on fast track conditions.

Value Play -- Quinton's Quick

5TH RACE:

Percutant - Dueled lead through slow fractions and close 3rd over the course in last, in the quinella 3 of 5 prior starts with a victory, 4 of 9 lifetime wins from a dozen starts at this trip, sits on the pace to win.

Gracious Prize - Didn't like Golden Gate mud in last, forced wide while 3rd on Hollypark turf before that, won at higher tag on Anita lawn three back, McCarron vacates another to scale here.

Value Play -- Go

6TH RACE:

Uptown Squeeze - Returns to races with swift worktab, three consecutive bullet drills of most recent half-dozen moves, in the quinella in all 4 starts with a pair of daylight victories before weakening at Del Mar mid- August in last, McCarron returns.

Sweetcakesanshakes - Solid daylight debut maiden breaker late January '98 in last, swift works for return to races with back-to- back bullet drills from most recent trio of moves, Eddie D. comes back, proven winner fresh.

Value Play -- Lotta Swing

7TH RACE:

Lord Grillo - Promising runner returns to races off solid worktab that includes a pair of bullet drills, biggest victory came at this distance in '97 Grade I Malibu stakes while beating Silver Charm, 3rd in Grade II San Fernando stakes mid-January '98 in last, need only be ready.

Clover Hunter - Disappointed since return to races, 4th in last pair of outings, won Golden Gate Derby as 1 of 3 lifetime victories, bullet drills since raced, Solis takes over on Hollendorfer trainee.

Value Play -- Zanie Reality

8TH RACE:

Neotorque - 3rd at 7-panels in last, pressed pace and weakened at this distance on Anita lawn three races back, stays for a tag, Stevens takes over on beaten Hess-trained favorite.

Poplar - Pressed pace and gamely held 2nd at Hollypark in last, 4-wide 3rd before that, draws good inside post, Desormeaux stays here on Frankel trainee.

Value Play -- Quake City

archive