My Jesuit Pal NCT asked: "Do you really care that much about the issue? Does anyone really give a [expletive deleted]who bets horses regularly really care that much to withold wagers?

No and No, NCT. But if my livelihood depended on the well being of Racing (ie breeder, trainer, publisher of racing publication or performance figures), I would want racing to heal itself, rather than wait for Draconian intervention on the part of the federal Government which TGJB has mentioned so many times.

Personally, I wouldn't care if they injected the horses in the paddock in full view of God and everybody. Probably would be the equivalent of what the SEC calls "full disclosure".

Your anxious anticipation of synthetic surfaces in California may be delayed; apparently the components of the new surface are delayed in transit somewhere near the Panama Canal. As to Keeneland, will love to see how Poly affects the handle.

I'm going to Monmouth, your old stomping grounds, today. No choice, as all golf courses are fully submerged after recent rains.

Hey NCT, the hell with Racing. What I am excited about is #3 for the gang from Flushing. 30+ doubles, 20+ triples, 20+ dingers, 60+ steals, 80+ RBI, 300 or so Batting Average all within reach. Also an above average shortstop, although he doesn't have the range of Rey Ordonez. Beltran having an awesome year, but J. Rey is obviously the straw stirring the Mets drink right now.