Lassie come home

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 10 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: Going to hope that a six-pound weight swing in her favor helps Laird's Lassie (7th, $30W), third place finisher in the July 18 CTBA Stakes, turn the tables on winner Streamin Heat. Plus a $10EBX combining Streamin Heat and Laird's Lassie.

Hunch: With all the knee news lately we just can't get Charger Shawne Merriman out of our mind. So we're going to forgive a misspelling and salute Seany's Courage (2nd, $30W) whether he plays with the injuries or opts for the surgery.

Monday's Handicap: Frankelstein (4th, $30W) dead-heated for the win with Souvenir Slew paying $4.60 and returning a $39 profit. The $10 EBX combining Souvenir Slew and Frankelstein paid both ways with the prices of $8.80 and $9.30 for a $1 exacta figuring out to profits of $78 and $83 respectively for an even $200 on the race.

Monday's Hunch: B.A. Homebody (6th, $30W) gave us a run for our money, contending to deep stretch at 20-1, but finished seventh.

Monday's win: $170. Bankroll: $2260.10.