Taking the race away wouldn't be right, too much tradition, although I will admit that Pimlico doesn't really strike attention on a national media scale, general people heard of churchill and belmont, but Pimlico? Doesn't sound too appealing, so I understand where the guy who made this thread is coming from, I don't think they will or should take it away, though.

As was so aptly pointed out, they can take the race away, but it won't be called the "Preakness."

Baltimore is awful. I've spent a lot of time there for both work and pleasure. There are significant sections of the city that are as bad as it gets and I stand by that statement. If people want to argue that Detroit and Newark are worse, no problem. I was responding to the statement that Baltimore was the most underrated city in America which even the mayor of Baltimore would laugh at. I believe Baltimore was only the 4th most dangerous city in the US last year so they got that going for them.

Well, at least the current mayor of Baltimore hasn't had to go to jail yet. So that's something.

The "Block" is a very nice classy area to visit while in Baltimore.

Absolutely! Very family-friendly environment.

My question is how often do you need to go to the areas where the majority of the crimes are comitted? Most cities high crime statistics come from a few neighborhoods most people( including residents) have never even been to. Every city has these areas. Baltimore is a nice city with many great neighborhoods, the people who are comparing it to Gary, Detroit, Camden, Newark etc... are way off base.

I really have to disagree. I've known folks held up at gunpoint in relatively "safe" areas of the city. The Inner Harbor can be quaint, but really, it's not that safe a place. It's at least one of the top ten least safe cities in the country, there is absolutely no denying that.

I thought this was a non issue ever since Frank Stronach's formal aggreement with Maryland in 2010 not to move it.

I'd rather go to Baltimore than Boston. It's a great city, and Pimlico isn't as bad as everyone that has never been there makes it out to be.

Yes.

As are parts of Philadelphia, Chicago, St Louis, New Orleans, Los Angeles... etc.

I love Baltimore. There, I said it.

Hands down, easy winner.

I have been there, the track itself is a track, like most others. No real problems with the facility. The neighborhood is awful though. People use old wheel barrows as strollers.

Of course not, and certainly not during Preakness week.

Thats cause your a closet G.

The original poster has clearly never been to Hollywood Park or Churchill either then. Wander a few blocks off the premises on a non-Derby day at CD and see where that gets you.

LOL little g

The problem isn't Baltimore or Pimlico, it's Maryland racing which has become strictly second class due to the voters refusal to allow casinos at the tracks. I'm not a fan of casino gambling but it's obvious when you are surrounded by states which allow same and you don't...that's a problem. Various religious right groups have chosen Maryland to make their stand and thus far, they have succeeded.

I was told on here not to walk from the French Quarter to the Fairgrounds during the day. I think some people are a bit too paranoid.

At night is a different story of course.

The voters weren't the reason Laurel didn't get slots - that was purely Stronach's fault when he didn't put up the $$'s to pay for the licensing fee.

All he had to do was cough up the fee and slots were his at Laurel.