FrankD. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> WOW,
>

>
> Change is inevitable and there is no way to keep
> everyone happy in life for sure.
> BUT:
> This guy seems to be pissing off the entire racing
> world with his run away bean counting freight
> train. The Spa is a scared cow to a lot of
> people.

This is what people don't get about Frank. Frank GETS IT. Read what Frank
wrote above 2 or 3 times because it is brief and absolutely true and there is
even a life lesson in there somewhere.

BUT:

I may have to disagree with the character assassination of Toy Boy and the
plans for any mayhem involving him.

If Stronach/Magna or CD had bought Saratoga in the year 2000 (I am saying
hypothetically) the changes (in terms of development, in terms of squeezing
revenue out of the facility) would have been implemented long ago. It is
almost as if dysfunctional, rudderless, politically hamstrung NYRA management,
more than any desire for preservation, kept Saratoga pristine.

NYRA has three facilities to work with: Belmont will only draw more than 15K
on Belmont Day; the norm on weekdays is less than 1500.The park in the paddock
area remains a huge asset, but the grandstand is not functional. The Genting
facility next to Aqueduct looks like it is going to need an NYPD precinct
house on site, and I am sure this crime wave will find its way to the
racetrack.

Some of the folks here, and Miff will admit he is one of them, warn that it is
very risky for racetracks to rely on any stream of state funds. I agree, but
it is difficult then to criticize NYRA for monetizing the only bankable asset
they have.

I love the place. I am certain they will continue to develop Saratoga Race
Course, possibly to the point where there is very little recognizable to me,
but this development was inevitable, whether the man at the controls was named
Kay or Stronach or Jeff Gural.