At a candidate forum sponsored by the Brighton Allston Improvement Association tonight, moderator Michael Pahre asked the candidates for the four open at-large City Council seats how they felt about putting a casino or slot machines at the Suffolk Downs racetrack - an idea pushed by Mayor Menino. Their answers follow (see their answers to questions on other issues).

Build a casino at Suffolk Downs now, and be snappy about it, the East Boston Chamber of Commerce says. Jim begs to differ:

... It seems to me that the expected benefits will be outweighed by the negative consequences of situating such an operation so close to an urban residential neighborhood; that the state revenue number quoted is almost certainly overblown; that Suffolk's recent philanthropy is clearly part of a strategy to enlist local support (Why not spend thousands in order to make millions?); and that [owner Richard] Fields' "pledge" [to buy local] will likely be discarded the first time he can save a penny per item on something that he needs in quantity. ...

HubTrotter proclaims the racetrack excellent value for your entertainment dollar:

... [E]ven if you're not a gambler, Boston sports fans will be hard-pressed to beat the $2 admission price for a day at the races. ...

WBUR photographed Frank Amonte, a 72-year-old jockey, at Suffolk Downs.

Tommyvon: I’m just excited of the possibility that Boston might have something open 24 hours, including food.

Jimbo explains why you should feel a lot more sorry for the "migrant" workers who actually keep the track running.

Jorge photographs a bird's nest at the Suffolk Downs T stop built mainly out of dryer lint:

... It's almost three feet high and two wide. ... Apparently it's not occupied right now but it will be interesting to see who uses it. ...

Photos from a day at the track.