Fusaichi Samurai Is Back

Fusaichi Samurai, a 3-year-old who some believe would have made some noise in the Triple Crown races had he not been out with a leg injury, makes his long-awaited return today in the seventh race at Hollywood Park.

Purchased for $4.5 million 16 months ago by Fusao Sekiguchi, the son of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus beat maidens by two lengths in his lone start, Dec. 11 in Inglewood.

After the race, he became the favorite in some future books for the Kentucky Derby and jockey Victor Espinoza was quoted as saying he could be “the best horse ever.”

Trained by Neil Drysdale, Fusaichi Samurai will have seven opponents in the $49,000 allowance at six furlongs. He will break from post seven and will be ridden by Espinoza.

Race of the day: Desert Boom, who has won four of six since being claimed by trainer Art Sherman for owner Bob Bone, will step into graded stakes company again in the $100,000 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields. Bobby Gonzalez will ride the 5-year-old Boomerang gelding in the Grade III at 1 1/16 miles.

One for the road: Egg Head, who has won his last three by a combined 25 lengths, can upset unbeaten Lost In The Fog in the $200,000 Riva Ridge Breeders’ Cup at Belmont Park. Richard Migliore will ride the 3-year-old son of Honor Grades for new trainer Kiaran McLaughlin in the Grade II at seven furlongs. The Riva Ridge is part of a pick six with a guaranteed pool of $1 million.

Exotically speaking: A place pick all using Richebourg in the first, Tipton in the second, Wing Kai and Datticus in the third, Canny Fly, Full Moon Madness and American All Star in the fourth, Forest Way and Big Mountain in the fifth, Red Fort in the sixth, Fusaichi Samurai in the seventh, St Averil and Ender’s Shadow in the eighth and Republican Hawk in the ninth.

Winners (through Thursday): Previous day/meet total: 2/86 Money: Previous day/meet total: $6.60/$419. Total money bet: $620.