"Maryland racing as a whole still has its issues and Pimlico takes its share of hits with its outdated interior/exterior. But while the track isn’t winning any beauty contests, there never fails to be an air of lightness and fun associated with the second stop in racing’s coveted three-part series. Maybe it’s because everyone collectively exhales following the stress bubble that is the Kentucky Derby or maybe it’s due to the party reputation that comes with the Preakness infield, bottom line is most people seem to lose the chip on their shoulder by the time they roll onto the Pimlico backside."

"What the future holds for Rachel's first foal is anybody's guess. Expecting him to follow in his parents' hoofprints is an unfair burden, even if the colt is blissfully unaware of it. However, should the fates align and he does break from the starting gate in the 2015 Preakness, well, I am sure it will be pandemonium all over again. And somewhere, Jess Jackson will be smiling."

"The core of the agreement calls for the state, through the Maryland Economic Development Corp. (MEDCO) to advance between $3.5-million and $4-million dollars to the track owners for operations in the upcoming year in exchange for guaranteeing a full schedule of 146 days of live racing. The deal also includes a $1.7-million contribution from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association to the tracks and its promise to permit the export of the Maryland simulcast signal throughout the year."

"This is a good day for the entire industry," Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas said. "I would like to personally thank Governor O'Malley and chief legislative officer Joe Bryce for their support during this process. This discussion provides a foundation for continuing efforts to create a long-term solution to restoring Maryland racing to prominence."

"Meanwhile, Gov. Martin O'Malley, who has tried in recent weeks to broker a deal between the racing commission, track owners and the state's horse industry, said Tuesday afternoon the state 'will continue to explore the legal options available to us' to save the Preakness and preserve a full racing schedule. That could involve seizing the tracks by eminent domain."

"In a decision that effectively shuts down the Maryland Thoroughbred racing industry and puts the Preakness Stakes (G1) in jeopardy, the Maryland Racing Commission voted Tuesday to reject a heavily conditioned proposal by the owners of Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course to run 146 days of live racing in 2011."

"MI Developments and Penn National offered to maintain 146 days of live racing next year — the same number as this year — but their proposal came with major caveats. Among the conditions: that the horse owners, trainers and breeders contribute $1.7 million in operating expenses for the tracks, give up their rights to broadcast race signals, support the closing of a training center in Bowie and lobby to increase the price that consumers pay to bet on races. The latter two require legislative changes."

"Maryland's political leaders, from the governor on down, will not sit by and let that happen. The legislature has given the state the power to seize the tracks and the Preakness, if necessary, to keep the second leg of the Triple Crown in Maryland. While actually pulling the trigger on that provision might be so costly and difficult as to make it prohibitive, the law at least signals a seriousness of intent."

"Rachel Alexandra figured to be the favorite off her spectacular record-setting 20 1/4-length win in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), but for most of the early betting she was barely above even money. The public could not bet her enough and she certainly qualified as the kind of overbet favorite that we always tell you to avoid." I guess I'm alone in this -- I thought 9-5 on a much-the-best horse who looked like even money or a tick better was a pretty good price.