In those nine furlongs, Barclay Tagg will try to emulate his past Wood prep/Derby win scenario with Nobiz Like Shobiz repeating the role so successfully played by Funny Cide four years ago. It appears that poor Todd Pletcher--who has not won even one stinking Derby--stands in his way with Any Given Saturday. It should be great theater and a highly entertaining day of sport.
But then a printed summary in the local newspaper arrived via e-mail that condensed the findings of a group of New York legislators assigned to investigate whats wrong with the state of New York racing. I was so infuriated by it that I nearly lost my $12 lunch. Know that at some date in the near future, such uniformed opinion will demand the kind of vitriolic response it will receive here.
Meanwhile, on the Who-Will-Run-the-Franchise front, a recent announcement said New York Yankees chief executive Steve Swindal has withdrawn from Excelsior, the group that originally won the Request For Proposals battle until told by incoming Governor Elliot Spitzer, never mind. Swindal is soon to be late the son-in-law of George Steinbrenner whose daughter recently filed for a divorce. When the announcement was made, Steinbrenner was out, too.
But the street says different: The street says that when the new RFPs are submitted, the Boss will be back in with Excelsior. Also, Steve Wynn, whose group was among the new players engaged in the bidding until he withdrew, was contacted by Excelsior and might be back in, too. The truth is, who knows? The only one who does is Spitzer. He has promised to announce his decision by Memorial Day.
Effectively, New York racing has been held hostage by Albany for more than five years. So, whats another seven weeks? Meanwhile, the Wood, Carter, Bay Shore and Excelsior will provide a great distraction, if only for a day.
