NY Gov Pataki has announced the bidding for the NYRA franchise will begin much sooner than expected.

CDI is selling Hollywood to have the needed upfront cash downpayment that the Governor is demanding.

Uncle Frank is working thru his lobbyists to sneak in the backdoor with some secret deal.

Neither of them will emerge the winner.

The last "gambling frontier" remaining is racinos with Frank/Magna getting the jump on everyone and not many worthwhile properties left on the table. The big kahuna is NYRA.

Look for MGM/Mirage [unbelievable casino mergers the last few months] to emerge the victor. They have the cash [at least access to cash] that Albany won't be able to refuse. Recently they've been granted the franchise to run the video slots at Aqu that will generate billions and what better way to insure the gravy train long term than owning the franchise itself? They'll eventually push for expansion at Belmont/Saratoga which will happen, after presenting a sparkling record with Aqu. MGM in turn will hire CDI or Magna to run the true horseracing end of the business.

Gotta believe this is a mortal lock. Thoughts?