Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Hollywood Park

Friday's races

FIRST RACE:

Sydney's Olympics - Dueled lead and second best at 7-furlongs in last, runner-up in 2 of 6 prior races, a forward diploma factor here. Merhy - Three-wide runner-up first time routing in last, pair of swift drills since, Nakatani for Thoroughbred Corporation. Value Play -- Nature's Power

2ND RACE:

Bolgers Hostage - Dueled lead from inside post and faded while claimed in last, debut runner up before that, solid works since raced, Flores up. Smart Wife - First-time starter by Present Value, swift works with most recent bullet Hollypark drill on the 5th, well placed by trainer Moreno here. Value Play -- Martika's Song

3RD RACE:

Lee's Jewel - Fourth while claimed in last, broke maiden in debut at Hollypark last December, bullet Hollypark drill on the 3rd since raced, Flores takes over for new trainer Mitchell here. Lazar - Returns dirt sprinting after dull turf efforts in last pair of outings, broke maiden at 7-panels three races back with bug boy Rodriguez who returns here, spotted for action. Value Play -- White Fire

4TH RACE:

Radar Gun - Dueled lead and faltered in last, dueled lead and 3rd before that, diploma theft on agenda, connections obscure. Prince of Strides - Speed and weakened to 3rd on muddy track in comeback in last, no threat in only other career start in 1997, steady works since raced, Flores sees enough to stay on beaten favorite. Value Play -- Mateoto Blanco

5TH RACE:

Chill's Rose - Outrun and overmatched in last, dueled lead and broke maiden gate-to-wire before that, drastic drop in class and reunites with winning rider Flores now, money run time. Dave's Prize - Split field when 4th at higher level in last, runner up at same before that, last victory at Hollypark five races back, hustling Espinoza takes over. Value Play -- Maria Michele

6TH RACE:

Almuhimm - Broke through the starting gate and still won down the hill at Anita in last, close finishes in pair of other turf sprints before that, bullet drill since raced, Nakatani/Canani tandem. Bold Issue - Dueled lead and caught by top pick when close 2nd down the hill at Anita in last, 3rd at same before that, Derby winner Antley takes over, a factor throughout. Value Play -- Hilltown

7TH RACE:

Bob Gaede - Close throughout with wide trip when runner up in last, 3rd sprinting before that, 3rd only time at this distance four races back, Flores stays, fits here. Monterey Jack - Returns to races with steady works, dueled lead and weakened late March in last, won 2 of 4 prior career starts, Ant Man takes over. Value Play -- Boy Chick

8TH RACE:

Press Pass - Set pace and outfinished to 3rd routing in last, runner up with a wide trip for a tag sprinting five races back, Flores stays on Lewis-trained beaten favorite. Rock Hound - Four wide 3rd at a mile mid-February in last, set pace and 3rd before that, drops to claimer for return, reunites with Delahoussaye for nightcap diploma try. Value Play -- Chief's Treasure

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