The Inside Track | Issue #148 | September 6, 2024 | |
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ASD Hours
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- VLT machines are sanitized between use
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Only 8 Race Nights left
- Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday through to Tuesday, September 24. Racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
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In this edition . . .
- What's happening at the Downs?
- Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournament
- Free ASD Programs and more
- Win $500 Cash After Each Live Race Night
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Delaronde, Bynoe Winning in Bunches
- Paul Gray wins Las Vegas Challenge
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Week 1
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot in Time: Island Fling
- Get Smokin Back to Defend Turf Title
- "He Wasn't Supposed to Win" at 40-1
- Fierceness Stays On Top in Classic Rankings
- Bob's Blog: Trick or Treat Memorabilia
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Las Vegas Challenge Tournaments:
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, Sept. 23
PRIZES: The tournament winner receives a trip for two to Las Vegas and a trophy (the winner will be provided $3,500 to book their trip to Las Vegas). Second place finisher will receive a $500 deposit to their HPI account, the third place finisher will receive a $250 deposit to their HPI account.
Entry fee into the Las Vegas Challenge is $50 but can be reduced by qualifying on Assiniboia Downs’ race cards leading up to the tournament. To qualify you must select the horse that you think will win each race on the Assiniboia Downs race card. Email your selections for that race night to Sheri at sherig@ASDowns.com prior to the start of racing. If you select three winners on the race card, your entry fee is reduced to $25. For every other race card that you select three winners on your entry fee is reduced by another $5.
2024 Tournament Winners:
- Player's Choice - Saturday, January 20 - Winner: Ron Phelps
- Player's Choice - Saturday, February 17 - Winner: Trevor Phelps
- Player's Choice - Saturday, March 16 - Winner: Don Allard
- Player's Choice - Saturday, April 13 - Winner: Myron Fedoruk
- Player's Choice - Saturday, May 11 - Winner: Kevin Arnst
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, June 17 - Winner: Darcy Penner
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 8 - Winner: Brittany Jonatanson
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, August 12 - Winner: Ken Porter
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, September 2 - Winner: Paul Gray
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Assiniboia Downs Player Portal
Assiniboia Downs racing information in one convenient place!
Check out our Player Portal here
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HPI Bonuses
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Monday, Sept. 9 to Wednesday, Sept. 11 - Earn 3% cash back when you wager on Assiniboia Downs. Minimum wagered $100. Maximum cash back $25. ($2.10 payouts not included). All wagers must be placed on your HPIbet account and you must opt-in.
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Join us today in the Club West Gaming Lounge and discover why we're the ultimate destination for VLT entertainment in the area!
Premier Amenities
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Spacious Area: Our gaming lounge provides ample room for you to relax and enjoy your gaming experience comfortably.
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Sanitization: VLT machines are sanitized between use.
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Great Customer Service: Our friendly staff is dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring your visit is enjoyable from start to finish.
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Licensed Lounge: Sip on your favourite drinks from our licensed lounge while you play.
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Food & Drink: Indulge in delicious food and drinks available right in the gaming lounge.
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Draws for $500 in the VLT Lounge every Race Night!
Every race night a draw for $500 Cash will be made in the VLT lounge at 11:30 p.m. during Crazy Hour!
Daily Draws for Cash
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Lucky Stars: Enter for a chance to pick a Lucky Star for up to $100 cash. Lucky Stars will be played at various times throughout the day/night.
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Lucky Spins: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Enter for a chance to win $20 in free VLT spins. Keep what you win!
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This Season we will be featuring a 50/50 draw EVERY race night with proceeds benefiting Final Furlong and the Winners Foundation. 50/50 tickets for Monday, September 9 are on sale now!
- The 50/50 draw will be made each race night at 10 p.m.
- 1 ticket for $10, 10 for $20, 50 for $50, 200 for $100
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Tickets can be purchased from the VLT cashier’s cage, Guest Services, from the designated 50/50 seller or online at 5050.ASDowns.com
- Ticket sales close at 9:50 p.m.
- You don't have to be in attendance to claim your prize
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Winning ticket numbers are posted at 5050.ASDowns.com
- Manitoba Jockey Club LGCA-5630-RF-44247
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There's Always a Deal at ASD! | |
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$11.95 Daily Lunch Specials
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks from our Club West Dining Room menu or try our ever changing $11.95 lunch special.
Along with our fantastic lunch specials, we also offer happy hour food and drink specials and weekend food deals. Click here to find out more!
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Live Racing Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet | |
Enjoy our fabulous Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet from the best view in the house!
Our Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet is available every race night. The table is yours for the entire evening and includes complimentary racing programs and tip sheets.
Buffet highlights include signature Certified Angus prime rib of beef carvery, seafood table featuring jumbo shrimp and salmon, fresh salads and side dishes prepared with locally grown vegetables.
Rotating entree selections of tender grilled chicken, crispy fried fish, sticky BBQ ribs, roasted meats and artisan sausages.
Dessert table features warm fresh baked pies and your choice of ice cream plus cheesecakes, tortes and our famous bourbon bacon brownie.
Please note that there is limited space available for the remaining race nights.
Call 204-885-3330 to reserve your table today!
Adults - $54.95, Seniors (65+) - $49.95, Children 6 to 12 - $32.95, Children 5 & under - $19.95
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
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Delaronde, Bynoe Winning in Bunches
Bynoe vaults into second in jockey standings, Delaronde leads all trainers by 15
| Trainer Lee Delaronde won six races this week to bring his meet-leading total to 36 victories, 15 in front of his nearest rival. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Trainer Lee Delaronde and jockey Damario Bynoe dominated their competition this week at ASD, and the Assiniboia Racing Club won again, in what turned out to be another fabulous week of racing.
Delaronde won two races on Monday, scored a hat trick on Tuesday and finished up the week with a single on Wednesday to move to a dominating 15-win lead in the trainer standings with only eight live racing days left to go, and most of his horses still paid good prices.
Delaronde won with Halfinthewrapper ($2.20) and Big Ticket ($15.40) on Monday, scored the hat trick on Tuesday with Terawatt ($7.00), C C’s Kitten ($6.50), and Witt’s Tenny Ten ($10.40), and wrapped up the week with Gold Special ($6.10) on Wednesday. Those six wins gave him 36 for the season, followed by Mike Nault (21), Devon Gittens (20), Jared Brown (19) and Steve Keplin, Jr. (15), who also seems to be winning at will.
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Damario Bynoe capped off an excellent week with his fourth win aboard Damn the Torpedoes (#5) on Wednesday for trainer Wendy Anderson, to move into second in the standings. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Jockey Damario Bynoe also paid off at the windows and moved up in the standings.
Bynoe won with Kate’s Princess ($2.70) and Diamond Concerto ($5.00) on Monday, Where’s the Pumps ($3.80) on Tuesday, and Damn the Torpedoes ($4.80) on Wednesday to move into second place in the jockey standings with 37 victories.
Prayven Badrie, who opened a long lead last week, won a pair of races this week to maintain his lonely lead at the top of the standings with 47 wins. Three-time champ Antonio Whitehall (33 wins) remains in third in the standings, followed by Ronald Ali (26) and Rachaad Knights (24). Knights won two races on the week, while Chavion Chow and Dane Dawkins both had triples.
Delaronde looks home and cooled out as he tries to win the first training title of his career, and it would take a miracle to catch Badrie as he tries to win his first title outright after tying for that honour with Antonio Whitehall in 2018.
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Leading rider Prayven Badrie gets congratulations from trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. after winning the first race on Wednesday aboard Reasonably Lovely. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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And the Assiniboia Racing Club (ARC) got their third win of the year and second in a row with Ride Em on Wednesday, Shavon Belle in the saddle. Congratulations! Managed by John Field, the ARC had only one start last year without winning, so it’s great to see them back on track for their 40-50 owners.
The ARC is 3-for-4 this year with trainer Devon Gittens, but it’s now back to the drawing board. Ride Em was claimed by trainer Tom Gardipy, Jr. and their previous winner Moon Connection was claimed by Steve Keplin, Jr. If there’s one thing this group has proven over the years however, they’re smart...
And they’re resilient.
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Jockey Shavon Belle gives a thumbs up after winning the sixth race on Wednesday aboard Ride Em for trainer Devon Gittens and the Assiniboia Racing Club. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Paul Gray Wins Las Vegas Challenge Tourney
Kirt and Stretch help retired Purolator driver with longshot. $3,500 for Mexico!
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Retired Purolator driver Paul Gray won the Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournament on Monday, thanks to a horse mentioned on the nightly ASD Live Handicapping show.
“I needed a longshot,” said Gray. “I heard Stretch and Kurt mention it, and they’ve got like 100 years of handicapping experience between them, so I figured, why not?”
The longshot was Big Ticket in the third race, which paid $15.40, $7.00, and $2.60 across the board. Seven of Gray’s contest rivals also selected Big Ticket, but his three other winners, two second-place finishers, and one third-place finisher were enough to secure his victory with a bankroll of $61.30.
“If it wasn’t for that longshot, I’d probably have finished near the bottom,” said Gray, who finished $4.40 ahead of runner-up Stan Stewin ($56.90) to take home the $3,500 cash prize and trophy. Sue Mymko ($52.40), Ron Zurba ($47.90), and Harold Wiens ($44.20) rounded out the top five.
75-year-old Gray isn’t new to success in handicapping tournaments. He won the same contest and a trip to Las Vegas 12 years ago. He also mentioned winning a $50,000 prize in 2008 during Assiniboia Downs' 50th anniversary. “I bought a Mustang with it,” Gray recalled. “I still have it, and I went on lots of trips with that money—Jamaica, all over the place.”
Gray’s love for horse racing started early. He learned the ropes from his father, John, who used to take him to the track as a youngster. By age 16, Gray was already walking horses and grooming them in the backstretch. “That was back in 1966 when Bobby Stewart was still riding,” he reminisced.
His lifelong passion for the sport is evident, as Gray still attends the races regularly, enjoying the atmosphere and talking to fellow racegoers. His handicapping strategy is a blend of experience and intuition.
“I like closers, especially if there’s a lot of speed in the race,” said Gray. “But I also look at horses cutting back in distance, like from a mile and a sixteenth to seven furlongs. Those horses often have the stamina to go wire-to-wire.” Gray also keeps an eye on jockey and trainer trends, citing top jockeys and certain trainers as key indicators for picking winners.
Gray intends to use his winnings to fund a vacation to Cancun this winter. “I probably would have gone anyway, but now I’ve got a little extra cash to enjoy myself,” he said, looking forward to some relaxation in the sun. In the meantime, he plans to enjoy the remaining eight days of the live racing season.
“I’m there about 80% of the time,” said Gray. “I’ll be in the grandstand or the clubhouse, all over the place. I might play a little on the VLTs, then I’ll go to the paddock to look at the horses and see how they are. I just love the atmosphere—talking to the people, my friends, having fun, watching the horses.”
Gray noted how the strong crowds have been boosting the betting handles, and his contest win clearly added to his enthusiasm. “Everything’s been great,” he said. “I’m just really happy.”
“I could hardly sleep after that win. I was pretty excited.”
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Looking for a Special Photo of Your Big Horse or...?
Track Photographer Jason Halstead may have just what you're looking for
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What happiness at the track looks like after winning a race. Trainer Mike Nault's barn crew after winning the second race on Monday with Dancinginthecreek for A2 Thoroughbreds and True North Thoroughbreds. L to R: Charlotte Johnston, Olive Johnston and Brittany Bergen. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
| Looking for that extra-special photo of your big horse, one you might not find in your win pictures? Track photographer Jason Halstead takes numerous photos during the races, and not all of them can make it into the win photos. If you’re looking for something frameable from your big race, or of your special horse, email Jason at jjhphoto@gmail.com. Prices are excellent! Almost as good as his photos 😊 | |
Top NFL Picks by TravyFootball Week 1
Bills over Cardinals (Sunday noon): The Bills are going to have to rely on Josh Allen more than ever before in the upcoming season. Buffalo completely revamped their offense and defense, most notably shipping Stefon Diggs to Houston. Rookie receiver Keon Coleman presumably will take over as Allen's go to guy, but it's going to take a few weeks for that connection to build and get in sync. Buffalo definitely isn't the threat they use to be, even from a couple years ago, but I don't expect them to open the season with a loss to the Cardinals. Assuming he can stay healthy, Arizona QB Kyler Murray should have a better season than he did last year, especially with the addition of rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Lions over Rams (Sunday night): The Rams are looking to avenge their playoff loss from last season as they travel to Detroit to take on a Lions team who many are picking to not only reach the Super Bowl, but also win it. I'm sure it will be mentioned at nauseum again how Stafford and Goff were traded for each other a few years ago. Stafford went on to win the Lombardi Trophy, while Goff is still searching for his first one. I think the Lions are loaded on offense, and they beefed up their secondary using three of their first four draft picks from this past April on two cornerbacks (Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw) and a safety (Sione Vaki). It's going to be a tough task for opposing teams to throw against them.
Niners over Jets (Monday night): The Niners off-season has been tumultuous
to say the least. Brandon Ayiuk holding out, Trent Williams holding out, and most recently, rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall being shot in the chest during a robbery attempt. "The beginning of the end for San Fran!" was being thrown around, but, not so fast. ALL is well now that both Ayiuk and Williams have signed new deals within a week of each other, and Pearsall is already out of the hospital and recovering at home. Unfortunately, that's bad news for the rest of the league as Kyle Shanahan looks to finally get over that Super Bowl hump. What better way to kick it off than to face one of his friends and former defensive coordinator, Robert Salah, and of course, Aaron Rodgers.
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AFC championship prediction: Chiefs over Texans
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NFC Championship prediction: 49ers over Lions
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Super Bowl: 49ers over Chiefs
| Watch and wager on world class racing from the comfort of your private carrel in our race book located on the 2nd level of the grandstand. The race book is open daily at 10 a.m. Can't make it to the track? Visit one of our partner locations listed below or wager at HPIbet.com. Click here for a list of tracks to wager on during the month of September. |
- Assiniboia Downs (September 9) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $185,320
See all carryovers here.
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Can't make it to the track to wager?
Watch and wager at one of our off-track betting locations:
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"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group | |
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The "I Won Bigg" wagering group will be meeting on the following weekly schedule:
- Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. on the plaza. Woodbine and Del Mar will be the featured tracks this Saturday.
- Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the north end of the Clubhouse. Assiniboia Downs will be the featured track on Wednesdays.
Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information please email Larry.
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A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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Well, it’s September, and that means the Gold Cup can’t be far off. Over the course of the next four weeks, we’re going to look at some Gold Cup champs from the 1970s.
In 1979 Island Fling coasted to victory in the 22nd running of the Gold Cup. It was his second win in three years, and in the previous year he narrowly lost a head decision to Merry’s Jay, denying him a triple in the Cup. Island Fling was amongst the best older horses to ever run at the Downs – wasn’t he "Red". (Gerry Hart Photo).
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Last year's longshot winner enters off win in the United Nations (G2T)
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Get Smokin wins the 2023 Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs. (Coady Photography) | |
A year ago, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse didn't know what to expect when he ran Get Smokin in the Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes (G2T) at Kentucky Downs. All Get Smokin did that day was gun to the lead and never stop, upsetting the 12-horse field to the tune of 19-1. Now he's back to defend his title on Saturday, and he's been listed at 12-1 in the 11-horse field. More from the Blood Horse here. | |
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40-1 Society Joe Upsets in Puss N Boots, trainer Gary Chudobiak jumps in pond
| Society Joe posts upset at 40-1 in the annual Puss N Boots Stakes at Fort Erie on September 2 under jockey Amanda Vandermeersch. (Michael Burns) | Nobody thought Society Joe had a chance in the annual Puss N Boots Stakes last week at Fort Erie racetrack, least of all owner/trainer Gary Chudobiak, who nominated the horse on a whim. "He wasn’t supposed to win,” said Chudobiak, in disbelief after his horse, who has just one eye, upset a field of nine to win the 2024 Puss N Boots Cup on Labour Day. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
Labour Day Weekend leads to multiple changes in Breeders' Cup Classic rankings
| Travers Stakes winner Fierceness remains on top in the Breeders' Cup Classic rankings, but more good horses are moving up the list. (Walter Wlodarczyk/NYRA) | Each week a panel of media members, horseplayers, and Breeders’ Cup World Championships officials release a poll tabulating their votes ranking the top contenders for the 2024 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. Week Six of the rankings is led by DraftKings Travers Stakes winner Fierceness, who maintains his advantage from Week Five, but there are some very good horses moving up the list. More from America's Best Racing here. | |
Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
It may be a little early for Halloween, but Bob’s put together a trick or treat package, with no tricks and all treats. This week's blog showcases a sampling of some local pieces of memorabilia that our history guy has unearthed. Click here and feast your eyes on a treasure trove of relics from another time. We don’t know how they’ve survived but were glad they did!
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Upcoming events at ASD
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Lucky Stars - Daily draws for cash at various times throughout the day - more info
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Lucky Spins - Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. - more info
- Live Racing every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. - more info
- Draw for $500 Cash after each live race night in the VLT Lounge - more info
- Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournament - Monday, September 23 - more info
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The Inside Track Archives | Did you know that past issues of The Inside Track are available on our website? Click here to read them now. | |
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