The Inside Track | Issue #143 | August 2, 2024 | |
Manitoba Derby Press Conference
Friday, August 2 - 11:45 a.m. | |
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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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Revised 2024 Live Race Dates
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Monday, May 20 to Tuesday, September 24 - click here for schedule
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In this edition . . .
- What's happening at the Downs?
- Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournament
- Free ASD Programs and more
- Free Family Fun Activities every Monday
- Manitoba Derby Activities and Betting Bonus
- Win $500 Cash After Each Live Race Night
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Fabulous Card for Manitoba Derby Monday
- Meet the Field for the Manitoba Derby
- Harvey Warner Memorial Park Dedication
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot In Time: Bocage
- 10 Confirmed for King's Plate
- 2024 Whitney Stakes Cheat Sheet
- Bob's Blog: Manitoba Derby Photo Album
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Las Vegas Challenge Tournaments:
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, August 12
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, Sept. 2
- 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
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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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Free Family Fun Every Monday
Join us for free family fun activities every Monday through to Monday, September 2.
- Bouncy castles
- Face painting
- Live entertainment
- The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.
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Manitoba Derby Night Monday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m.
- $125,000 Manitoba Derby for 3-year olds presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
- $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile.
- $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes.
- Mandatory payout of the ASD Jackpot Pick 5. The current carryover is $444,576. The pool is expected to be between $1 million and $2 million.
- $100,000 Guaranteed Pick 4.
- Take your photo in front of our Manitoba backdrop (in the lobby) showcasing your best Manitoba Derby attire. Post to Instagram and tag @assiniboiadowns for your chance to win a $100 ASD gift card.
- Derby Sweepstakes. Win a $100 win wager on a Derby horse.
- Family Fun! Bouncy castles, face painting & kids entertainment from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
- Special Derby history display by Track Historian Bob Gates.
- Free admission and free parking.
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Manitoba Derby Week HPI Bonus
Get 3% cashback when you wager $40 or more on Assiniboia Downs on Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6. Maximum cash back $100. ($2.10 payouts not included). You must opt-in at HPIbet.com and all wagers must be placed on your HPI account. See complete rules at HPIbet.com.
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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 every race night 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, August 5 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.
Reservations are filling up fast for the remainder of the race season so 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 | |
Fabulous Card for Manitoba Derby Monday! | Mano Dura wins the 2023 Manitoba Derby for owner Henry S. Witt, Jr., who has two horses in this year's Manitoba Derby. Antonio Whitehall up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
The 76th running of the $125,000 Manitoba Derby highlights a stellar eight-race card on Monday that also includes the $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile Stakes and the $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes.
Adding to the excitement is the mandatory payout on the 20-cent Jackpot Pick 5, which currently has a carryover of $444,576. The Jackpot Pick 5 pool is expected to balloon to between $1 million and $2 million on Monday evening, and we’ve also got a $100,000 guaranteed Pick 4 pool and a Classic Hi-5 carryover of $20,571!
Awesome Road has been listed as the 7/5 morning-line favourite in the nine-horse Manitoba Derby field, which goes as the 7th race with a strong mix of local stars and shippers you can read about below.
The Escape Clause Stakes will go as the 5th race, and features a battle between local champions Burrow Down and Spitten Kitten among seven additional rivals. And the Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile goes as the 6th race headlined by R. J. Speers Stakes winner Blazing Bo and last year’s Gold Cup winner Magic Tiger.
The 8th race on the card is a competitive group of solid allowance horses, capping off the best betting card at Assiniboia Downs this year!
See you on Monday!
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A Preview of the 76th Manitoba Derby
Presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
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AWESOME ROAD
3 Year Old - Bay - Colt
Owners: Arnold Bennewith, Rick Wiest, Clayton Wiest, Lana Wiest, David Wiest, R6 Stables, Gary Kropp, Norman Tremblay and Jeff Van Nistelrooy
Trainer: Rick A. Wise
Jockey: Antonio Whitehall
Probable Odds: 7-5
A $600,000 purchase at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Awesome Road was highly thought of from the day he was born. Campaigning for a number of the same owners who helped elite North American trainer Robertino Diodoro set the record of four wins in the Manitoba Derby.
A half-brother to Endless Chatter, who won the Summer Colony Stakes at Saratoga and placed in the Beldame Stakes (G1) going the Derby distance of 1 1/8-miles, Awesome Road broke his maiden in his first lifetime start at Ellis Park and then took on the best of the breed, including Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, in three straight graded stakes, before being competitive in rich allowance races at Oaklawn Park. In his most recent race, Awesome Road finished fifth in the $300,000 Texas Derby at Lone Star Park.
Trainer Rick Wise, who has handled the conditioning duties locally for Diodoro on previous Manitoba Derby winners, will saddle Awesome Road on Derby Day, and he's been winning at an amazing 40% clip this year.
All systems go.
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BRICKLAYER
3 Year Old - Bay - Colt
Owner: Larry Gourneau, Jr.
Trainer: Larry Gourneau, Jr.
Jockey: Luis Fuentes
Probable Odds: 5-2
Bricklayer is coming into the Manitoba Derby about as good as a horse can get with two straight wins going a route of ground.
Trained by Larry Gourneau, Jr., whose brother Jerry won the Manitoba Derby last year with Mano Dura at 18-1, Larry's roots in the horse business go back more than 50 years among a family of horsemen. Bricklayer was claimed for $30,000 at Churchill Downs on June 7 and immediately paid dividends when he won his next start in a $50,000 Maiden Claiming race going 1 1/16-miles at Churchill Downs. In his next start, the son of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming moved up in class and won an allowance race at Canterbury Park going a mile.
Gourneau took out his first trainer's license in 1993 and he's saddled 100 winners at a 16% clip since then. He knows what to do with a good horse and Bricklayer is improving with each start. Bricklayer will rate off the pace in this year's Derby, just as he did in his last two races, but when given the cue to go, he will lay it down.
And he knows how to win.
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ITSALLGOODMAN
3 Year Old - Dark Bay - Gelding
Owner: Curtis Landry
Trainer: Gonzalo Anderson
Jockey: Rasheed Hughes
Probable Odds: 8-1
Itsallgoodman was a double stakes winner in Alberta last year, winning both the Alberta Premier's Futurity and the CTHS Sales Stakes at Century Downs for trainer Gonzalo Anderson, and the $17,386 US Alberta Mixed Sale graduate continues to outrun his purchase price this year.
The son of Dwyer Stakes (G3) winner Speightster finished out of the money in his first start back as a 3-year-old in the Western Canada Handicap at Century Mile, but improved dramatically after that. In his most recent start, when stretched out to 1 1/16-miles in the Count Latham Handicap, also at Century Mile, Itsallgoodman led in the stretch but was collared late by a longshot who snuck up the rail to defeat him by three-quarters of a length.
The Count Latham was a perfect prep for the Manitoba Derby and marked more steady improvement for Itsallgoodman. Trainer Anderson has had previous success as an owner at the Derby distance at Assiniboia Downs, finishing second in the 2022 Gold Cup here with Quinto Sol.
His horse will be ready.
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LT. NORM
3 Year Old - Bay - Gelding
Owner: Drop’en Racing
Trainer: Steve Keplin, Jr.
Jockey: Sven Balroop
Probable Odds: 12-1
Lt. Norm would become one of the biggest bargains in Manitoba Derby history should he win, and he's got just the trainer to do it in Steve Keplin, Jr.
Keplin has won at a 27% clip since he took out his trainer's license in 2013, and when he's in a race here – any race - his horses always have a chance to win. Keplin purchased Lt. Norm for just $3,500 privately south of the border, and has since guided his astute purchase to two wins, a third-place finish in the Bobby Q Overnight Stakes, and most recently a second-place finish behind Mr Fillip in the Derby Trial.
Lt. Norm also has some pedigree to work with, being by Pegasus World Cup (G1) and Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) winner City of Light, who also happens to be the sire of Florida Derby (G1) and recent Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) winner Fierceness.
In the one-mile Derby Trial, Lt. Norm continued his steady improvement for Keplin, finishing willingly up the rail, indicating he will handle stretching out to the Derby distance. If he gets a contested pace to run at, watch out.
Live longshot.
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LUCKY APPEAL
3 Year Old - Dark Bay - Gelding
Owner: Henry S. Witt, Jr.
Trainer: Lee Delaronde
Jockey: Arthur Budhu
Probable Odds: 50-1
Based on his most recent race in the Derby Trial, Lucky Appeal would be considered longshot speed in this year's Derby, but his owner Henry S. Witt, Jr. certainly knows how to win with longshots. Witt won the Manitoba Derby last year with Mano Dura at 15-1.
Lucky Appeal broke his maiden in a rich Maiden Special Weight race at Sam Houston Race Park in Texas in February and made his first start here in June in the Golden Boy Stakes, finishing out of the money after making a four-wide move into the turn. Stretched out to 7 ½-furlongs for his next start he found trouble and finished sixth. In his next start in the Derby Trial going a mile, Lucky Appeal reversed his running style and opened up early before tiring to finish fourth.
Lucky Appeal was only beaten 2 1/2-lengths for the place in the Derby Trial while earning the best Beyer Speed Figure of his career. He now appears to be moving in the right direction for leading trainer Lee Delaronde.
Could he improve again?
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MAGNOLIA SPEED
3 Year Old - Dark Bay - Gelding
Owner: Mike Powers
Trainer: Lee Delaronde
Jockey: Dane Dawkins
Probable Odds: 30-1
Magnolia Speed might be the most underestimated horse in this year's Manitoba Derby, despite being the most consistent runner in the race.
Conditioned by leading trainer Lee Delaronde, Magnolia Speed has run 11 times this year and finished in the top three 10 times, including a victory in the Bobby Q Overnight Stakes, runner-up finishes in the Golden Boy Stakes locally, and the Baxter Stakes at Fonner Park, and a third-place finish in the Derby Trial. He also defeated older horses in an allowance race here two starts ago.
Magnolia Speed shows up every time. He will need some pace to run at in the Derby, but if he gets it, there's a good chance he will outrun his odds. His sire, Clearly Now won the Swale Stakes (G3), Bold Ruler Handicap (G3), and the Belmont Sprint Championship Stakes (G3), all at seven furlongs, and his dam Major Ashworth, by Travers Stakes (G1) winner Colonel John, won an allowance race going a mile on the turf at Fair Grounds. There's enough class and stamina in Magnolia Speed's pedigree to get the Derby distance.
His grit and determination are a bonus.
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MCEWEN
3 Year Old - Bay - Gelding
Owners: All For One Stables, Bette Holtman, Oslen S. Belle and Tom Payne
Trainer: Shelley Brown
Jockey: Renaldo Cumberbatch
Probable Odds: 15-1
McEwen arrives in the Manitoba Derby on a winning roll for the only female trainer ever to win the trainer title outright at Assiniboia Downs.
Shelley Brown became the first female trainer in Assiniboia Downs history to win the title in 2012. Brown also has a major Derby win to her credit, having won the Canadian Derby (G3) at Century Mile in 2020 with 18-1 shot Real Grace. And like Real Grace, Brown bought McEwen at the Ocala Winter Mixed Sale in Florida.
McEwen has already earned his $7,000 US purchase price back for Brown and her partners with two straight wins locally, the most recent being a dominant 5 ¾-length score in an allowance race going 7 ½-furlongs. He appears to be loaded with talent, and he built on his winter training in Florida beautifully with his allowance win, which might turn out to be a perfect prep for the Derby.
A half-brother to a pair of $100,000 plus earners, McEwen is just starting to develop and could be ready for a big race on Derby day, and one more thing.
He's gorgeous.
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NO SHOW NO CALL
3 Year Old - Chestnut - Gelding
Owners: Staffmax Stable and Club 3 D Stable
Trainer: Mike Taphorn
Jockey: Ronald Ali
Probable Odds: 20-1
Manitoba-bred No Show No Call is three-quarters of a length from being a perfect 5-for-5 at Assiniboia Downs, and he's more than just a fun horse to watch.
The flashy chestnut gelding by Ziprick Thoroughbreds stallion Kentucky Bear out of the local stakes-winning mare She's Regal was purchased for $17,000 at the 2022 Manitoba CTHS Yearling Sale, and he's already earned over triple that. His owners sent him to top Alberta trainer Craig Smith at Tampa Bay Downs for the winter to provide him with a fitness edge, and the gamble paid off.
No Show No Call made one start in Tampa before journeying back to Manitoba, where he generated immediate buzz with a big wide rally to win a Maiden Special Weight race. He then finished second in an allowance race against older horses before rattling off three straight wins, including a 12-length romp in the Frank Arnason Memorial Sire Stakes.
No Show No Call will stretch out beyond six furlongs for the first time in the Derby. He has sharp trainer Mike Taphorn in his corner, and the Tampa Bay winter seasoning to help him.
Mr. Excitement has arrived.
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ROUSSETTE
3 Year Old - Bay - Gelding
Owner: Henry S. Witt, Jr.
Trainer: Mark Simms, Jr.
Jockey: Prayven Badrie
Probable Odds: 9-2
Roussette might be slightly overlooked in this year's Manitoba Derby, but that might not be wise considering his connections, pedigree, and race record.
Claimed for $30,000 two starts ago at Churchill Downs by six-time leading Assiniboia Downs owner Henry S. Witt, Jr., who won the Derby here last year with longshot Mano Dura, Roussette has run exclusively in route races at Fair Grounds, Keeneland, Churchill Downs and Ellis Park, and he will be one of the fittest horses in the Derby.
In his most recent start in a $75,000 allowance race going 1 1/16-miles on the turf, Roussette finished an improving fifth, and more distance may be just what he's looking for. He also has that rare “game” comment in his Past Performance lines, earned in a $50,000 maiden claiming race at Keeneland while being ridden by elite North American jockey Flavien Prat.
By Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Blame, Roussette is out of Turnback the Alarm Handicap (G3) winner Altesse by American Horse of the Year A. P. Indy, and is a half-brother to the Grade 1 stakes-placed mare Alandra, and the Grade 3 stakes-placed First Growth.
Hidden class at a price.
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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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Groom Brittany Bergen and trainer Mike Nault with 2-year-old Manitoba-bred gelding Betterlucknexttime, who won his first lifetime start on Monday for A2 Thoroughbreds and True North Thoroughbreds. Prayven Badrie up. (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 😊 | 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 July. |
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Assiniboia Downs (August 5) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $444,576. Mandatory payout Monday, August 5.
- Assiniboia Downs (August 5) - $1 Classic Hi-5 carryover $20,571
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, Saratoga and Del Mar will be the featured tracks this Saturday.
- Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the north end of the Clubhouse. Assiniboia Downs will be the featured track on Mondays.
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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With the Manitoba Derby just around the corner and having just celebrated the 65th Running of the R. J. Speers Memorial, let’s pay tribute to Bocage. Bocage not only won the 1961 Speers but was also the winner of the first Manitoba Derby to be run at Assiniboia Downs when Jack Hardy resurrected the race in 1960. (Assiniboia Downs Archives photo) | |
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Trainers Casse, Stronach and Attard dominate prospective King's Plate field
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Sahin Civaci guides My Boy Prince to victory in the $150,000 Plate Trial Stakes at Woodbine for owner Gary Barber and trainer Mark Casse. Rafaroo (far right) was second in just his second career start. (Woodbine / Michael Burns Photo) | A powerful trio from trainer Mark Casse and owners Gary Barber and Manfred and Penny Conrad will be hard to get past in the 165th King’s Plate on August 17. As of Monday morning, Canadian Thoroughbred has confirmed 10 starters for the 1 1/4-mile, $1 million Canadian classic, with another three or four likely to enter. Plate Trial winner and champion 2-year-old male of 2023 My Boy Prince simply towers over his fellow Canadian-bred three-year-olds but still has to negotiate the tough Plate distance. More from Jennifer Morrison at the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
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Morning-line favourite National Treasure faces 11 rivals, 9 graded stakes winners
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Horses round the first turn in the 2023 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga. (Amira Chichakly / NYRA) | |
The $1 million Whitney Stakes (G1) this Saturday at Saratoga is one of the marquee summertime races in U.S. horse racing. The 1 1/8-mile dirt race is a “Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series qualifier, giving the winner an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 2 at Del Mar, and it has attracted a strong field of 12. More from America's Best Racing here. | |
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Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
With the 76th Running of the Manitoba Derby just around the corner, this week’s history blog features a photo album of some previous winners of Manitoba's most prestigious race. Bob dug through his archives to find photos you may not have seen before. Click here to open the history guy’s 2024 Manitoba Derby photo album.
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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
- Manitoba Derby Night - Monday, August 5 - more info
- Free Family Fun Activities - Monday, August 5 - more info
- Live Racing - Tuesday, August 6 - more info
- Draw for $500 Cash after each live race night in the VLT Lounge - more info
- Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, August 25 - 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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