Ralph Siraco's Selections for Santa Anita

Selections made for clear racing conditions before scratches

Thursday's card

1ST RACE:

Harlan's Pleasure - Pressed 5-wide early then drew away to win first time routing against the same in last, runner up in 4 previous lifetime out- ings, Solis returns for repeat, has been favored in all 4 career starts.

Cozy Spell - Late foot between foes while close 2nd when in need of a race in last, speed in previous route races, stretches out again and stays for a tag, should be a foward factor throughout.

Value Play -- Song of Summer

2ND RAE: Herdadgavehermagic - Stalked and weakened in last, dueled lead and weakened before that, drops in for a tag now and trys dirt surface for first time in 5 career races, draws rail post.

Presidiaria - Pressed pace and gave way in Oak Tree turf outing in last, returns here with steady works that include recent bullet drill on the 17th, drops to claimer now, a foward factor for graduation.

Value Play -- Heidijim n' Grant

3RD RACE:

Miguella - Dueled between foes and held close 3rd at higher level in last, won at 7-panels and this level three races back, has more lifetime victories with 6 than any other in the field, sharp right now.

Laguna Miss - Takes nosedive in class for return to races, solid works most recent bullet drill on the 11th, last victory at 4 times this price three races back, stormin' Norman bug boy for Hess trainee money run.

Value Play -- Lilac Lady

4TH RACE:

Hushed - Steadied and outrun in Anita turf route when in need of an out- ing in last, distant 4th before that, debut 3rd three races back, significant class drop and return sprinting with tightener under girth signals cap and gown time.

Lady Luminosa - 1st time starter by Black Tie Affair, steady Anita work- tab, well placed, good post, trainer Zucker starting meet well and gets hustling Pedroza for debut.

Value Play -- Nor Bob

5TH RACE:

Bold 'n Brawny - Rallied inside, got lead and outfinished while 2nd in needed outing in last, won as the favorite at Fairplex three races back, broke maiden over this track, winning rider Garcia stays.

Devil's Judge - Off slow and eased routing in last, gate-to- wire maiden sprint winner before that, nice breeze since raced, back in claimer and hustling Pedroza now, entrymate gives support.

Value Play -- Ghostez

6TH RACE:

Dancewiththewind - Dueled lead and weakened when in need of a race in last, won at this trip before that, 2 of 3 lifetime at Anita and tvictories he distance, speed to be a factor throughout, had race, beware.

Star's Wild - Strong hand ride for solid gate-to-wire victory in last, has won half of 6 lifetime starts with a pair at this distance, steps up a level here, repeat in the Star's?

Value Play -- Fearless So N So

7TH RACE:

Pachira - Dueled lead and second best down the hill in needed outing in last, in the quinella 8 of 15 starts on dirt with 4 victories, won at this trip and track three races back, had race, beware.

Brefny - Undefeated in three lifetime starts, won by a nose at this trip in last, McCarron stays on Hofmans trainee, tougher foes and outside post should pose strongest challenge of brief career.

Value Play -- Sunley Seeker

8TH RACE:

Roget's Run - 7-wide and weakened from outside post while splitting the field in last, close Golden Gate runner up before that, 2nd from rail post sprinting five races back, switches to Solis for graduation.

Dream Counter - Returned from 18-month layoff to duel the lead and hold 2nd in last, set pace and runner up in only other lifetime start late- July ' 97, pair of solid drills since raced, diploma bounce only concern.

Value Play -- Kentucky Bluebird

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