And then there was six...

[estreetposse]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/83071.html

I applaud Eli for starting over fresh, however, is this going to be like our state budget almost every year?

Late- Dec. 31, 2007 comes quickly for NYRA, especially with all the days off Bruno & the boys get, maybe get that extension?

Too Political- Too many hands in the boys pockets down in Albany involved in this mission which should continue to provide the highest quality (Besides the Winter Inner waste of $$$) and integrity in the sport!!! (Love this last part!!)

All this and we still don't know who owns the Tracks?

Mr. Illman at DRF gave me this in his Formblog, "NYRA purchased the racetracks for $20 million in 1955. You could argue that it's been all downhill since."

Pretty straight forward answer I thought, but lots of folks in Albany can't seem to figure it out.
Any thoughts on this and the Six Pack?

[blackthroatedwind]

Well, let's see Capital Play and Empire want to raise takeout....OUT!

Catskill OTB, a new bidder, a few years ago defended the people who fixed the BC Pick-6 ticket and was eager to pay them ( only NYRA's Bill Nader's interference was able to stop them ).

Steve Wynn is spearheading the other new bidder. Funny, I don't recall his previous interest in horseracing.

Sounds like, once again, it's between Excelsior and their casino owner partner ( another great ally of horse racing of course ) and NYRA.

Where, pray tell, were all these bidders ten years ago when the franchise was up for renewal and there were no slot dollars attached?

[ARyan]

I really like Empire.

The rest scare me.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by ARyan

I really like Empire.

The rest scare me.

Big fan of increased takeout I guess.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Well, let's see Capital Play and Empire want to raise takeout....OUT!

Catskill OTB, a new bidder, a few years ago defended the people who fixed the BC Pick-6 ticket and was eager to pay them ( only NYRA's Bill Nader's interference was able to stop them ).

Steve Wynn is spearheading the other new bidder. Funny, I don't recall his previous interest in horseracing.

Sounds like, once again, it's between Excelsior and their casino owner partner ( another great ally of horse racing of course ) and NYRA.

Where, pray tell, were all these bidders ten years ago when the franchise was up for renewal and there were no slot dollars attached?

I enjoyed Christ's article in Saturday's DRF...creatively written as future pools.

[Left Bank]

Originally Posted by estreetposse

http://www.drf.com/news/article/83071.html

I applaud Eli for starting over fresh, however, is this going to be like our state budget almost every year?

Late- Dec. 31, 2007 comes quickly for NYRA, especially with all the days off Bruno & the boys get, maybe get that extension?

Too Political- Too many hands in the boys pockets down in Albany involved in this mission which should continue to provide the highest quality (Besides the Winter Inner waste of $$$) and integrity in the sport!!! (Love this last part!!)

All this and we still don't know who owns the Tracks?

Mr. Illman at DRF gave me this in his Formblog, "NYRA purchased the racetracks for $20 million in 1955. You could argue that it's been all downhill since."

Pretty straight forward answer I thought, but lots of folks in Albany can't seem to figure it out.
Any thoughts on this and the Six Pack?

He who has paid the TAXES ON THE LAND gets the cheese!

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by ARyan

I really like Empire.

The rest scare me.

I feel the exact opposite of you

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I feel the exact opposite of you

Ditto, although I'd rate Capital the highest in fear factor.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Ditto, although I'd rate Capital the highest in fear factor.

Thankfully, Capital has less than zero chance.

[Swale84]

Many of the power-brokers in Albany were adament that NYRA had to be ousted. Now, more than a few, are looking for a way to support NYRA without losing face

[saratoga guy]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Where, pray tell, were all these bidders ten years ago when the franchise was up for renewal and there were no slot dollars attached?

According to the Governor's press release, "The fact that additional companies have come forward demonstrates the great appeal and potential of thoroughbred racing in New York."

...So I guess it must be all about the horse racing after all...

[Sightseek]

If Magna & Churchill, Delaware & Woodbine are part of Empire...any guesses as to who “a major track operator with substantial experience in running thoroughbred racing facilities’’ that joined with Steve Wynn and other developers could be? Keeneland?

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by saratoga guy

According to the Governor's press release, "The fact that additional companies have come forward demonstrates the great appeal and potential of thoroughbred racing in New York."

...So I guess it must be all about the horse racing after all...

I don't know...most of the companies bidding are for profit.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by saratoga guy

According to the Governor's press release, "The fact that additional companies have come forward demonstrates the great appeal and potential of thoroughbred racing in New York."

...So I guess it must be all about the horse racing after all...

That is one sad statement.

I love how Wynn's group declared they have another partner with vast thoroughbred experience....but didn't name him.

I guess transparency does not apply to them.

The bottom line is NYRA should be pounding home one point.....when there were no slots involved NOBODY wanted this franchise but us.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

If Magna & Churchill, Delaware & Woodbine are part of Empire...any guesses as to who “a major track operator with substantial experience in running thoroughbred racing facilities’’ that joined with Steve Wynn and other developers could be? Keeneland?

The Easter Bunny.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

The Easter Bunny.

I personally think they should have to say.

[Rudeboyelvis]

Don't see how NYRA relinqushing their owernship claim in lieu of a phat sweetheart deal loses here...

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

Don't see how NYRA relinqushing their owernship claim in lieu of a phat sweetheart deal loses here...

Feels like a pretty strong ace in the hole.

[ARyan]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I feel the exact opposite of you

I respect your opinion so can you tell me, as a trainer, who you would to see and why?

[Linny]

Last week Excelsior execs met w/ NY horsemen in NY and Florida. Almost all of the NY based trainers are in their camp, despite the NYTHA partnering with Empire.
The fact is that by re-opening the bid process, after millions were spent on the original bids is unfair to those who participated already. It was a sealed, secret process. Now that bids are open anyone who feels that they can match the Excelsior bid can feel free to leap into the process, bootlegging all of their research and expertise.
Empire launched a million dollar ad campaign as soon as the process started. All the ads say upstate is "We won't change Saratoga into a theme park." and the local fans hop on board. OK, no ferris wheels but what are they really planning on doing? Raising takeout. What else? They talk a good game about horsemen but most of the horsemen back Excelsior, there must be a reason. What will they ad for fans? Free admission to the slots but higher prices for the racing side? I don't know but that seems to be the Magna way.
If you have time, head over to Equidaily and check out the archived info on the bids. REALLY read (for comprehension) what the bids say.