SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge overseeing Barry Bonds' criminal case says she'll likely exclude from trial three positive drug tests, though she's inclined to keep a recorded conversation between Bonds' personal trainer and former personal assistant discussing steroid use.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston said during an evidentiary hearing Thursday that her initial thoughts were to exclude the 2000-2001 positive tests seized by investigators during a BALCO raid unless there is direct testimony tying the urine samples to Bonds.

Bonds is charged with lying to a December 2003 grand jury when he said he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs. He pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier Thursday.