Fusaichi a Chip Off Old Block?

A winner of three of six starts in Japan, Fusaichi Zenon will make his U.S. debut in today’s seventh race at Del Mar, an optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Co-owned by Fusao Sekiguchi, who campaigned 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, Fusaichi Zenon is a son of Sunday Silence, the 1989 Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner who is the top sire in Japan. Racing with Lasix for the first time for trainer Neil Drysdale, Fusaichi Zenon will be ridden by Gary Stevens and is the 3-1 second choice on Jeff Tufts’ morning line. The 5-2 favorite is Quianlong, a consistent 6-year-old trained by Bobby Frankel. The last time Quianlong, who will be ridden by Laffit Pincay Jr., finished worse than third was Oct. 24, 1999. In 11 races since, the son of Zilzal has four victories, four seconds and three thirds. Completing the field, from inside out, are Lily’s Lad, King Clef, Tanaasa, L’effaceur and Golden General.

Race of the day: Slim pickings today, but the fourth race, a 1 1/16-mile affair for older fillies and mares on the turf, offers Up At The Top, a 9-2 choice. Trained by Mike Mitchell, the Irish-bred mare has won three of six at the distance and has trained well for her first start since Nov. 11. Mitchell won Monday with the comebacking Lively Liz.

Who’s hot: Trainer Bob Baffert. He has won five races with 2-year-olds at the meet. He began the second week tied with Bill Spawr atop the standings as he shoots for his fifth Del Mar title in a row.

Who’s not: Banker Bob in the eighth race. Although we like the latter half of this gelding’s name, he certainly can’t run much. In three starts dating to Sept. 15, he has been beaten a total of 71 lengths. So, naturally, he’s bumped up in class this afternoon.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Crescendo and Swordfish in the third, singling Up At The Top in the fourth and using Star Over Dixie and White Satin in the fifth.