Eight, Eight, Oh, Eight
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: Cheroot (2nd, $30W) comes in off a layoff, has speed in a race not overly stocked with it and a good record here, albeit established two years ago. Plus a $2EBX of Vega's Lord, Mr Napper Tandy and Cheroot.
Hunch: It's 8-8-08, the good luck date the Chinese chose to start the Olympics and we can take a hint. So we're putting $10 to win on all the No. 8 horses. Six of them from races three through, ahem, eight.
Yesterday's Handicap: Afleet's Desire (6th, $30W) raced in close quarters most of the way and lost a photo for show. The $1 tri key with 'Desire in the win spot over Time Tosay Goodbye, Shebang and Nicole's Image was a wipeout.
Yesterday's Hunch: You Is What You Is (4th, $30W) was a mid-pack early, no-threat, no-factor seventh. Note: today's bankroll reflects a minus-$12 adjustment to correct an accounting department error from Sunday's races.
Yesterday's loss: $66 Bankroll: $1,877.
