It turns out that the spoof in Indian Charlie's 1/13 newsletter("We never let the truth get in the way of a good story.") was based on the strong possibility that Kee is going to install the 1st Polytrack in the U.S. Polytrack is the surface which replaced the original "all weather" track at Lingfield, & is made from a mix of rubber, polyester, & elastic fiber, which is wrapped in silica sand & waxed. Times on the surface are slower, but maintenance costs are less & it is much safer because it is more elastic, allowing for greater shock absorption. Unlike existing U.S. dirt tracks, it is also consistent throughout, vertically & horizontally.

Crist's piece in Sat's form was based on his opinion that in order for racing to duplicate the success of televised poker, someone needs to invent the equivalent of the camera which shows the players' hole cards. I disagree. Such shows air long after the event, so that contestents can be questioned regarding the thinking which led to their decisions. It seems to me that an appropriately edited version of the interview, together with an explanation & illustration of the handicapping principles involved, would give the viewer a better insight into the contestant's thinking than any hidden camera. BTW,the last I heard discussions are underway with ESPN, the Travel Channel, & NBC, & NTRA is optimistic about having something on the air next yr.

If you use a 20% takeout & make the doubtful assumption that each contestant had an equal chance of winning, fair pay for a $2 exacta on any two individuals is $213k. If you look at it instead in terms of the total number of TG users(14 if I remember correctly) the fair pay that any two would finish 1st & 2nd is still a healthy $1,144, a far sight more than any of the exactas or tris I cashed this weekend.