When Gulfstream Park opens its 2007 meet today, there’s a good chance the south Florida track won’t be taking bets from any of the OTBs in New York State.

The local horsemen’s group, the Florida HBPA, which holds veto power over where Gulfstream races can be simulcast, has said it will withhold permission from sending the signal to New York’s six Off-Track Betting corporations unless the OTBs agree to raise the rate they pay for that signal from 2.55 percent, which Gulfstream received last year, to 2.85.

In 2006, New York’s OTBs collectively wagered nearly $39 million on Gulfstream races.

Heated negotiations were being conducted all day yesterday, but by late evening the two sides were still at an impasse.

Even if OTB gets shut out, wagering on Gulfstream will still be available today at The Meadowlands, Yonkers, Connecticut OTB, and through a NYRA phone account.