“The horses are on the track.”

That’s what the announcer says when the #1 horse steps on the track to begin the post parade.

Until this week, I thought there would be no bills this session regarding the future of the Preakness.

Phase Two of the study of Pimlico as a suitable location for the race and other development opportunities should be the focus of everyone’s attention.

Today, the Racing Commission authorized its share of the cost of the study, which now goes before the Stadium Authority.

But a bill has just been introduced to create a commission to undertake yet another study – about moving the race to Baltimore County.

I’ve made the argument that keeping the Preakness at Pimlico benefits not just the City of Baltimore but the Baltimore region as well.

This bill gives Baltimore City legislators an opportunity to join forces with our colleagues from Baltimore County in opposition to a bill that would move the race there.

I’ve also learned from a reliable source that there may be another bill this session regarding the Preakness.

This is what I told a Baltimore Sun reporter:

“I am pleased to see Phase Two finally move forward on a schedule that will still enable the 2019 General Assembly to address the issue and keep the Preakness where it belongs – at Pimlico.”

There are now horses on the track in Annapolis.