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: North Fork (6th, $30W) has a win over the course, retains top rider Bejarano and isn't facing much here. Plus $5 one-way exactas with North Fork over South Coast and Nima's Pad.

Hunch: Julia Child, the (revealed yesterday) WWII OSS operative who later brought French cooking to TV, and Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France, were both born on this date. We searched for French-breds and failing to find any, decided to go with French-sounding Beau Chant (4th, $30W).

Yesterday's Handicap: Queen of the Catsle (7th, $30W) won in hand at odds of 8-5, making for a $51 profit but we lost six of it back on the $1 tri key with Queen to win over Whatsitgonnatake, Lochinvar's Gold and Briecat when Perfectly Natural took second.

Yesterday's Hunch: Truthy (5th, $20W) made a sweeping move on the turn and won, paying $18.40 and delivering a $164 profit.

Yesterday's win: $209. Bankroll: $1,870.