I don't think too much can be extrapolated from the Saratoga meet to the state of the game, overall. We all know its unique appeal. Its success in terms of attendance and overall handle do not obviate other management issues. The concerns that it might dilute the overall charm and unique historical cachet of the track are legitimate, but it will take a concerted effort of ineptitude on their part, so it probably won't happen. For sustained success over the long haul, they really need to keep their eye on the ball of the first and second-time customers whose entree to the game would only be at a place like Saratoga. This is where their continued emphasis on luxury amenities feels a bit shortsighted, though it needn't be mutually exclusive. It's just hard to feel confident about an entity knowing that there are so many political interests stirring the pot.

As for the overall big picture of the sport, that's above my pay grade, but I think the discussion needs to start with breeding, sales, etc., because you need warm bodies to create those big fields. There will probably be continued attrition of smaller tracks who can't be put on life support with slots or sports betting. It's getting increasingly more difficult to compete with Living Room Downs.