As much as I despise MEC I have to admire their current strategy. In this game of "Racing Monopoly" they knew that the primo properties associated with summer and fall races were not available but they decided that they had a shot at getting a monopoly on winter racing. If they could pickup GP, SA and then FG they would have the big 3 winter, warm-weather racing venues and thus a monopoly of sorts. Not exactly Park Place and Boardwalk (or Sar and Dmr) but a monopoly none-the-less.

With that sort of leverage they would be in a better position to put their winter-time customers (you and I) and vendors (other tracks or account wagering services) over a barrell.

So far their strategy has failed to some degree in that it looks like most players are willing to give up a little in terms of quality of racing stock in return for the convenience of going to just one place to watch and wager.

But Magna still only has 2 of the big 3 winter properties. What if they get the third and final piece? That might just make a difference in success or failure of their strategy. So I expect them to put on a full-court press and really go after FG ownership.

Of course, CD Inc. and others realize this and they would have a lot to lose if MEC is successful, so I would not be at all surprised to see a real bidding war over FG.

The winner of the war may be in a very strong position going forward. Let's hope that is not MEC (although the alternative may not be that appealing either).

I would imagine that this will not be the only attempt at strategic consolidation we will see in the near future.

In the mean time, I am eagerly looking forward to spring racing and the end of MEC winter dominance of the racing scene.

Chris