Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's declaration that he would support horse tracks getting slot machines capped off a whirlwind week at Cleveland area race track Thistledown. Just two days ago, the struggling facility, who has seen wagering dollars leave the state to racinos and casinos across state borders, was threatened with closure. Now the North Randall attraction will likely be poised for a Phoenix-like rebirth if the plan sees the light of day - as it should.

Thistlledown in the last decade has seen purses dry up, leaving it with sub-standard racing and the once respected track had become a laughing stock across the country. Its parent company, Magna Entertainment, had been trying to sell the track for years but had no suitors as they had been bleeding money with no sign of relief from the state in sight. The addition of slots will make the sale of the track much easier and "The Big T" will likely become a popular destination for casual gamblers in the area.

Magna Entertainment, who under court orders has to sell assets because they are bankrupt, will likely start to recieve substantial offers now that slots are likely in play in Ohio. So who will end up with the tracks? Four companies come to mind right away. MTR Gaming Group, Penn National Gaming, and Churchill Downs Incorporated may want to take a second look at the 1 mile oval in North Randall. Northfield Park, owned by local businesman Brock Milstein, may also have its eye on the property and could attain a virtual monopoly in terms of live gambling in the Cleveland area.

Now that the door is cracked open, the next thing on the horizon in Ohio gaming would likely be full-fledged casino gambling. Considering the long struggling Randall Park Mall, once a the Randall Horse Track, sits right across the street, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see a company aim to build a casino on the site that it is at right now. Thistledown may end up being like Kentucky Derby champion Mine That Bird, and go from worst to first in horse racing if it all plays out correctly.