Poetic ending

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 ten 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: Looking for some poetic justice in the Del Mar Futurity with Kelly Leak (9th, $50W), disqualified after crossing under the wire first in the Best Pal, winning on the square. Plus a $4 EBX combining Southern Exchange, Midshipman, Kelly Leak and Blazing Spirit.

Hunch: Closing day is the time to put an Exclamation (8th, $30W) point on a season from which we're going to walk away a bottom line winner.

Monday's Handicap: Empressive Lady (9th, $30W) failed to fire as the 5-2 favorite in the Del Mar Debutante, finishing fifth. The $3 tri key of Empressive Lady to win over Evita Argentina, Stardom Bound and Trifecta King was a loss.

Monday's Hunch: Enactment (8th, $30W) was forced wide around the first turn and neither found racing room nor had any punch when it counted in finishing eighth.

Monday's loss: $78  Bankroll: $2639.70