policy shift?

It could amount to a whole lotta nothing, but caught today that NJ Governor Jon Corzine has nominated Jerry Zaro to take over Gary Rose's old gig heading up the office of Economic Development. Only reason I mention it is because while Rose was a big supporter of Atlantic City casino interests, Zaro is a more likely advocate for slots at the Meadowlands. He owns horses - or at least he did, as recently as last summer. His best one was Bold Child, a nice Flatter filly picked up for around $20k as a yearling, I think, that got hurt first back and was subsequently retired earlier this year. She was with Tim Hills and placed in the 2007 Sorority. He might have some J-breds in partnership, too, with his buddy, Dennis Drazin, head of the NJ horsemen.

Zaro a big Monmouth Park fan. He spearheaded the somewhat controversial move to sign an exclusive distribution deal with TVG a few years ago. I know that they've since cut deals with TrackNet, but I'm not sure if the terms require additional monies to TVG for the right to do so. Would have to get numbers from NJSEA. Wonder if he's of camp that advocates cut to boutique meet at MP? Law doesn't allow for it (141 is required), but I'd be curious to know where he stands. Given his strong connections with Chris Christie, too, does he stay on in the event that the Rs take the statehouse? Polling suggests that the race is tight, but we still have to see if Corzine sticks around or makes the move to DC as Sec. of the Treasury. Whole lotta insider baseball, but bottom line is that Zaro could be point man on slots push were it to happen, and that's the best news NJ horsemen have had on that front in some time.