do you think that horse racing will meet it's demise in new york or do u think the NYRA will find a way to make it through.

The Belmont Stakes appears a bust in more ways than one.

Not just because the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners won't be there, but the June 5 "Test of Champions" could also be the last day of racing in New York, including the prestigious Saratoga meeting slated to begin on July 23.

Operating with a rapidly dwindling bankroll, the New York Racing Association could be out of money by the time the horses cross the wire in the Belmont.

"We need some financial relief from the state or we will not be able to run a full Belmont meet," Charles E. Hayward, president and CEO of the NYRA, said Sunday. "Everyone knows what's at stake and we're trying to reach a good solution."

NYRA is currently owed more than $17 million by the broke bookmaker New York City Off-Track Betting, and Albany has failed to get the 4,500-VLT racino at Aqueduct started since it was approved in October 2001.

NYRA is also being paid $2 million less a month by NYCOTB under a new financial plan instituted last month.

"This week will be critical," Hayward said. "We will have to put out formal notices and make plans."

Super Saver's failure in the Preakness will also cost the NYRA an estimated $3 million, since there is no Triple Crown on the line after the Kentucky Derby winner finished eighth on Saturday.

Super Saver and Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky came out of the second jewel of the Triple Crown in good shape, but both will be given some rest and pointed for a rematch in the Aug. 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

"I like the Belmont but it's a tough race on them," said Bob Baffert, who won his fifth Preakness. "I want to keep this horse around."

Pletcher said, "The only decision made with Super Saver is that he won't run in the Belmont."

The defections of Super Saver and Lookin At Lucky will likely leave Derby runner-up Ice Box as the probable favorite for the mile-and-a-half classic.

"It's sad that the Derby winner and the Preakness winner aren't in there," said Hall of Fame tr