Pimlico remains at the center of the slots debate, even though Old Hilltop has been removed from the list of locations that would get slot machines under the plan that will be on the November ballot. One of the long-standing arguments against slots is the negative impact increased gambling supposedly would have on the neighborhoods around the tracks, though that didn't stop legislators from allowing lottery locations in low-income areas.
The Preakness is the jewel of Maryland's racing calendar, and it also is the vehicle by which Maryland racing reaches a mainstream audience once a year, so the success of the event will have an impact on the referendum. That's why the Eight Belles tragedy, coming a relatively short time after Barbaro's breakdown at the 2006 Preakness, has brought two disparate political issues - gambling and animal rights - into this strange alignment.
That said, it's still OK to focus on the fun. It's OK to head down to Lexington Market on Thursday for the Preakness Crab Derby, or to take part in one of the other Preakness Week events.
