A New Age in Racing has been launched with the opening of newly renovated Gulfstream Park. A quixotic facility and pride and joy of that resident visionary Mr. Frank Stronach. Frank was there to view it all firsthand on Saturday, beaming proudly while standing in the South Clubhouse and adoring all the empty chairs around the space eating Horse Wizards.

These locations were about the only empty space on the grounds as the half complete facility was jammed packed on a brisk Florida Day. Meanwhile horseplayers wandered around lost trying to figure out where to bet and sit, much less get a good view of a live race. Some of those things will eventually work themselves out as players become more comfortable on where to go when they walk in the front door, if one exists.

Nevertheless having a seat and a view to observe a live race is something the resident visionary has decided is unnecessary. Which actually seems only fitting in a year where the early Derby favorite is named after legendary singer Stevie Wonder.

Make no mistake about it, this is a ready-made casino facility with piped in horse racing. The structure from afar is spectacular, and contains exotic night lighting, colored paddock fountain showers, a soon-to-be complete Sports Theatre, Night Club and various types of food that are actually edible if not down right tasty. The help couldn't have been any nicer and there is no doubt things will be get better as the rest of the hurricane delayed buildout is completed. The entire Magna Team gets an A for effort and execution on this one.

There is still plenty of work to be done, more self-betting machines need to be put in, still haven't figured out where to buy a DRF or pick-up a Program. And the old binoculars stand, don't waste your time looking for it. Like I said leave the binoculars at home......