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: Vulcan (5th, $30W) looked ready to graduate to the winner's ranks when second in a similar situation here on July 28 and we don't see any rivals likely to stop him. Plus a $3 tri key with Vulcan to win over Magnifique, China Bank and Tension Mounts.

Hunch: Joel Rosario has been one hot rider recently, so we're going with $20W on his three mounts on the card – in the second, third and ninth races.

Yesterday's Handicap: America's Friend (7th, $30W) won nicely as the favorite, paying $6.20 for a $63 profit. The $5 EBX combining America's Friend and Silver Z blew up when Silver Z burned out after going too fast, too soon and too erratically in setting the pace.

Yesterday's Hunch: Timias (3rd, $30W) was a wire-to-wire, handy winner paying $8.80 and providing us with a $102 profit.

Yesterday's win: $155. Bankroll: $1,976.50.