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: Satan's Circus (8th, $30W) was second in the Grade I American Oaks in her U.S. debut and looks like a possibility to have the best late kick in a field with plenty of speed types to set it up. Plus a $3 exacta box combining Storm Mesa, Misty Ocean and Satan's Circus.

Hunch: John McCain and Barack Obama are scheduled to be on the same stage tonight at Pastor Rick Warren's church in Orange County. It should boost the Presidential Cause (3rd, $30W) of one of them, and we hope it's the one for which we're determined to vote.

Yesterday's Handicap: North Fork (6th, $30W) got up to edge South Coast by a head as the even-money favorite, netting us a $30 profit. The $5 one-way exacta with North Fork over South Coast produced a $34.50 profit, but we dropped five on the North Fork over Nima's Pad exacta.

Yesterday's Hunch: Beau Chant (4th, $30W) made a bit of a late run to win a photo for fourth.

Yesterday's win: $29.50. Bankroll: $1,899.50.