Young Joe and old John

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: Young Joe (7th, $30W) put forth a good effort when second in the 7-furlong Real Good Deal Stakes on Aug. 8 and we're going to hope the extra eighth doesn't hurt. Plus a $2 EBX combining Young Joe, Slew's Tiznow and Leonides.

Hunch: According to the celebrity birthday Web sites, today is John McCain's 72nd and the septuagenarian Republican presidential candidate has chosen it to announce his Pick to Click (5th, $30W) for a running mate. No pressure, JM, but the hunch here based on Joe Biden was a winner.

Yesterday's Handicap: Exquisite (6th, $30W) finished third as the 3-to-5 favorite with no obvious excuses. The $2EBX combining In My Glory, Exquisite and Mean Heat was broken up when Restless Soul took second.

Yesterday's Hunch: Wake Up Maggie (7th, $30W) was a 2¾-length winner of the Adoration Handicap at odds of 15-1, paying $33.40 and generating a $471 profit. Thank you, Rod Stewart.

Yesterday's win: $429. Bankroll: $2,659.10