In a fit of creative brilliance and originality Hank Wesch has chosen “change” as the byword for his '08 Del Mar fantasy betting campaign. Change from the widely misperceived “trend” of nine losing seasons (some narrow) in ten years at the gig. Or, failing that, a few bucks and change remaining at the end of the meeting from the original imaginary $2,000 stake. No change in the format. One selection on semi-serious handicapping, one on pure hunch.

Handicap: Frankelstein (4th, $30W) takes a slight class drop while coming off a nearly two-month layoff, good angles for Marty Jones-trained horses and has the speed to control the pace. Plus a $10 EBX combining Souvenir Slew and Frankelstein.

Hunch: Colleagues Mark Zeigler, Tim Sullivan and Sean M. Haffey should be headed back from Beijing after combining for tremendous Olympic coverage over the past few weeks. We wish them a safe journey home and the opportunity to B.A. Homebody (6th, $30W) for awhile now that the monumental trip and task is behind them.

Yesterday's Handicap: Well Armed (10th, $50W) ran a big race but lost by a neck to Go Between. The $3 EBX combining Well Armed, Go Between, Mast Track and Student Council was a winner, returning a $66.90 profit on the bet for a $16.90 profit on the race.

Yesterday's Hunch: Mr. Chairman (1st, $30W), based on the selection of Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate, got the day off to a good start with a victory and an $8.20 payoff which meant a $93 profit.

Yesterday's win: $109.90  Bankroll: $2090.10