Not being argumentative, just wondering why you think it's unlikely Stronach would wind up with the franchise. I basically have no idea how it'll play out, but I based my fear of Stronach's chances on his strong lobbyist connections in Albany - he had or has ins w/Pataki (via D'Amato's firm), Bruno (via Bruno's son's firm), and Silver (via Patricia Lynch's firm). I also figured that since many of our elected officials know next to nothing about what racing fans want, and care even less, that'd they'd be easily swayed by the glorious tales of Frank's big "success" at "upgrading" GP, Laurel, etc.
But Pataki's gone soon and I think Bruno's son left the lobbying biz, and of course, Magna Entertainment continues to drown in a sea of red ink. Their position is probably weaker than it was a year or two ago.
I wonder if NY would be best served by some sort of partnership with a casino operation - there's a business that seems to get customer service.