Odds-on favorite

On Wednesday of this week, the State Race Track Leasing Commission was scheduled to approve a new request for proposals for a new lease of the Del Mar track. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the track’s current operator, is expected to be the favored, if not the only, bidder for the concession. Apparently taking no chances, the club has been spreading around political contributions to state legislators and legislative hopefuls. December beneficiaries included Democratic senatorial hopeful Juan Vargas, who got $500; GOP senator Mark Wyland ($1500 for the year); and Democratic assemblywoman Mary Salas ($2000 for the year).