Bob,

Poly will do nothing re overall decline of racing.FYI 26% of the bettors represent 66% of the handle at the major venues.I know several guys who gamble millions each year and they are no longer betting poly.I'm sure many will follow.Short term figures from recent meets are no barometer as to where racing is headed. No less than 7 Wall Street firms got involved in this NYRA franchise thing with all agreeing racing was a poor long and short term investment. Those bidding outside of NYRA are gambling the money on future slot/casino revenue, not racing.One report called racing" mature, niche like and lacking in corporate and media attention." Visa dropped racing and the major networks all declined contracts except for specials here and there. Espn took it and after a very poor BC showing reduced it's coverage going forward.

Trainers are flocking to poly for economic reasons since the more starts they get, the more money they make.Like I said, racing is about gambling first and everything else second,thats the economic reality and the outlook is very poor.


Mike