Spring for a gift

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: Spring House (8th, $30W) had the best local effort in the biggest local race of any Del Mar Handicap starter when fourth in the Eddie Read. The extra quarter mile shouldn't hurt and might help. Plus a $1 tri key with Spring House over Runaway Dancer, Tissy Fit and You Got Me Rocking.

Hunch: It's Kobe Bryant's birthday today and don't you know rivals Nene (5th, $10W) and Ginobili (5th, $10P) would love to get him a present if only they could afford it on their NBA'salaries. Plus a $5 EBX of Nene and Ginobili.

Yesterday's Handicap: Deanne's Ring (3rd, $30W) was scratched near post time by order of the stewards when found to be “off in the left front” voiding the win bet. The $2 EBX with Goodbye Lucy, Catch Candy and Deane's Ring was reduced to a $4 proposition with the scratch and was a loss when Dances With Tigers won the race.

Yesterday's Hunch: Absolute Glory (6th, $30W) was an absolutely inglorious next-to-last of eight.

Yesterday's loss: $34. Bankroll: $1,975.20.