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: Idiot Proof (7th, $30W) is fast and has a past class edge on the field. We'll chance the layoff since Dubai and an 0-for-1 vulnerabilities. Plus a $1 tri key with Proof to win over Barber, Get Funky and Magic Texan.

Hunch: This Phelps kid in Beijing is really something. A few more golds and he'll be the Greatest (4th, $20W) medal-collecting swimmer of all time.

Monday's Handicap: King of the City (7th, $30W) made a good effort, finishing second, a neck behind Put It in Writing. We salvaged $17 with the $2 EBX combining King of the City, Dr. Skimming and Scandalous coming through because Writing was the entrymate of Dr. Skimming.

Monday's Hunch: The trainer John Sadler-connected Chocolate Lava (2nd, $15W) and Syndicator (4th, $15W) ventures were a washout when Lava flowed off the board in a five-horse race and Syndicator fared no better than fifth.

Monday's loss: $55  Bankroll: $1,717.