The Inside Track | Issue #145 | August 16, 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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Revised 2024 Live Race Dates
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Live Racing every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday through 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
- Win $500 Cash After Each Live Race Night
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Big Winners. Manitoba CTHS Yearling Sale.
- Porter Wallops Field in Las Vegas Tourney
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot In Time: Fire N Desire
- King's Plate Draws Field of 13
- Candied Favoured in Alabama
- Horses Can Think Strategically
- Bob's Blog: Missing Trophies a Mystery
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Las Vegas Challenge Tournaments:
- 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
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, August 12 - Winner: Ken Porter
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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 Labour Day, Monday, September 2.
- Bouncy castles
- Face painting
- Live entertainment
- The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.
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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 19 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 | |
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Mr. Splash, Al Reichert Win Rich Stakes as Sale Approaches
Annual Manitoba CTHS Yearling Sale takes place Thursday, August 22
| Manitoba-bred Mr. Splash wins the $40,000 CTHS Sales Stakes last night at ASD for trainer Devon Gittens, owner-breeder Larry Falloon and his ownership partner Anne Champion. Damario Bynoe up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | Manitoba-bred Mr. Splash ($16.30) surprised in the $40,000 CTHS Sales Stakes on Monday with a 2 ¼-length victory over heavy favourite Betterlucknexttime, and Saskatchewan-bred Al Reichert ($6.60) swooped in from Alberta and fought off local tough guy McKague to win the $40,000 Phil Kives Stakes on Tuesday. | |
Trainer Devon Gittens (left) had a big smile after winning the CTHS Sales Stakes last night at ASD. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Trained by Devon Gittens for owner-breeder Larry Falloon and his ownership partner Anne Champion, Mr. Splash pressed outside favourite Betterlucknexttime under jockey Damario Bynoe and drew away in the stretch to win the CTHS Sales Stakes by 2 ¼-lengths, becoming the perfect advertisement for his sire as the annual Manitoba yearling sale approaches on Thursday, August 22.
The 2-year-old bay gelding by Nonios-Dreaming of Sasha by Wheaton was a $22,000 purchase at the local sale in 2023, and has now earned back more than his purchase price in just two starts.
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The summer crowds at ASD have been exceptional this year! Thanks everyone! (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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On Tuesday, Century Mile shipper Al Reichert also posted an upset as the third choice in the $40,000 Phil Kives Stakes, but he certainly had to work for it under leading rider Prayven Badrie. Big Al dueled with local gamer McKague through the stretch and got the best of that one late to win by half a length.
Trained by Madison Zielke for owners Colin and Cheryl Ganter, Al Reichert was bred by his co-owner Colin Ganter. The 4-year-old gelding by Imperialism-Amalgamation by Lemon Drop Kid has now earned more than $50,000 from a record of 5-2-2 in 12 starts. It was the first time Al Reichert had ventured outside Alberta to race, and his trip paid off handsomely.
And a big thank you to the Kives family for being on hand to present the trophy!
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Saskatchewan-bred Alberta shipper Al Reichert outdueled the very game McKague to win the $40,000 Phil Kives Stakes last night at ASD for trainer Madison Zielke and owners Colin and Cheryl Ganter. Prayven Badrie up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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The annual Manitoba CTHS Yearling Sale takes place next week on Thursday, August 22 at 2:30 p.m. on the Red River Exhibition Grounds, and viewing of the yearlings begins Wednesday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m.
Thirty-one yearlings are being offered for sale this year, including four by the sire of the CTHS Sales Stakes winner, Nonios. Proven sire Vengeful Wildcat also has four youngsters in the sale, but the two yearlings expected to attract the most attention this year are by Speculating, whose second crop of yearlings goes through the sale this year.
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Al Reichert in the winner's circle after his victory in the $40,000 Phil Kives Stakes. A big thank you to the Kives family for being on hand to present the trophy! (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Hip #24 from the Cam Ziprick Thoroughbreds consignment is a half-sister to the greatest race mare in Manitoba history, Canadian champion and graded stakes winner Escape Clause, who won 20 races including the La Canada Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita, and finished a game second beaten less than an inch in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap to the best mare in the United States at the time, Midnight Bisou, while earning US$866,100. Hip #24 has already been named Bring the Bourbon, and there might be a good reason for that later.
Hip #26, also from the Cam Ziprick Thoroughbreds consignment, a bay gelding by Speculating-High Pioneer by Pioneering, has also already been named Spec of Gold, and there could be more where that came from. Spec of Gold is a half-brother to multiple local champions Hidden Grace and Melisandre. The former won 18 races, multiple stakes and over $403,999. The latter won 10 races, multiple stakes, and earned $227,000.
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Trainer Tom Gardipy, Jr. notched his 900th win at Assiniboia Downs with Jerry Lambert's Olive's Candy in the 5th race on Monday night, but was too busy organizing his other runners to stay for the photo! Rachaad Knights up. Congratulations Tom! (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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While Hip #24 and #26 are sure to attract the big money buyers in the sale, that could result in multiple bargains elsewhere for those who do their homework. Come out to the sale. Talk to the horses. They might tell you something.
Without saying a word.
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A three-horse pace battle early in the 5th race on Monday, setting the race up for trainer Tom Gardipy, Jr.'s 900th winner, Olive's Candy. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Ken Porter Wallops Field in Las Vegas Challenge Tourney
Builds bankroll to whopping $92.50 to win $3,500 cash, trophy and bragging rights
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Ken Porter won Monday’s Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Contest, and he did it with a whopping bankroll of $92.50, leaving some sharp handicappers in the dust in the process.
Porter defeated runner-up Trevor Phelps by $20.70, and it was a long way back to third-place finisher Stan Hillman, who finished with $63.30. Porter won $3,500, and a trophy for his first big win in the summer tourney.
Porter also picked the longest-priced winner on the day, along with Trevor Phelps and Larry Liebrecht. All three had Sherley’s Sherman to win the second race on Monday, who returned $26.00, $6.10, $3.60 across the board.
Well done!
So how did Porter do it? In his own words:
“My thoughts going in were to try and hit a long shot in the first three races, as all three had a heavy morning-line favourite.
"Race 1) I went with #2, Chatter Up, as it was an overlay, and tried to beat the 1/5 post-time favourite. No luck as the #2 finished third and added only $2.10 to my bankroll. I wasn’t too worried about that one, as you can easily make that up with six races to go.
Race 2): I selected #4, Shirley’s Sherman. Two of the last four races were decent, where the horse had rallied, but in the other two it hadn’t run so well and tired. I took a flyer on the #4 at 12-1. It was the “longest shot on the board in a short field angle.” And I got the longshot I was hoping for, with a nice return of $39.60
"Race 3) I wasn’t interested in selecting the heavy favorite so it was a toss-up between #3, Mr. Splash, and #4, He Knows We Know. I went with #4 and got third. The #3 ended up winning and #4 returned $2.10. I thought some people had #3, which paid well, going off at 7-1. I knew then the contest was probably still close for several contestants.
"Race 4) This was the good old win-bounce angle on #7, Enano Caro, and as a slight overlay I selected it. I also liked that its last race was for $12,500, and it was dropped back in for $5,000. And every other horse already had 10 or more starts with only one win. #7 had only seven career starts and was not a proven loser in his career. Profit of $26.80. Back on track, and I kind of liked the way the card was going so far!
"Race 5) This was the race I was waiting for! I really liked #7, Olive’s Candy with a morning-line of 15-1, but I guess a lot of others liked it too, as it went off as the favorite at 3/2. I wasn't interested in it anymore at that price so I did a one-eighty and tried to beat it with #5, Under Budget, who finished second and added another $5.40 to my bankroll. #7 won, but I wasn't too worried, as it was the favorite and only returned $4.70 more than #5.
"Race 6) I went with #3, She’s My Priority, and she returned $11.90. Now I figured I could be in contention. Having hit two of the three longshots that came in, I was thinking it would come down to the last race.
"Race 7) This race was a toss-up between #3, Club Champ, and #9, Exchequer. I decided to play #3 and #9 won. #3 finished second though, and I added another $4.70 to my bankroll.
"After the races, I figured I could be close. I reached out to a couple of friends who play in the contests more than I do, and both agreed it should be close."
It wasn’t. Well done Ken!
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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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Trainer Madison Zielke had her arms full of trophies after winning the $40,000 Phil Kives Stakes Tuesday night with Al Reichert. Well done Madison! (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 August. |
- Gulfstream (August 16) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $172,471. Mandatory payout on Saturday, August 17.
- Ellis Park (August 16) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $60,590
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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On July 19, 1969, 55 years ago, Fire N Desire had just enough of both to win the 21st running of the Manitoba Derby for owners S. Lima and M. Rose, trainer W.H. Moorhead and jockey (and local hero) Dick Armstrong. The following day, Neil Armstrong & Company landed on the moon – you might say that’s two Armstrongs making history worlds apart! (Gerry Hart Photo) | |
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Plate Trial winner is heavily favoured to win the King's Plate over 12 rivals
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King's Plate contender Midnight Mascot gallops at Woodbine under exercise rider Cassie Garcea. Midnight Mascot will attempt to capture the 165th running of the $1,000,000 King's Plate at Woodbine on Saturday August 17, 2024 for owner Manfred and Penny Conrad and trainer Mark Casse. (Woodbine/ Michael Burns Photo) | As exciting as it was for the owners, trainers, and riders who are set to have their horses in Canada’s most famous race, the King’s Plate, there was also the element of nervous anticipation as post positions were drawn on Tuesday for the 1 1/4-mile Canadian classic this Saturday. More from Jennifer Morrison at the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
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Candy Ride filly seeks second graded stakes win in $600,000 Grade 1 on Saturday
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Candied wins the Lady's Secret at Monmouth Park. (Bill Denver / EQUI-PHOTO) | |
A grade 1 winner in her second start, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Candied will try to get her second top-level score in the $600,000, 1 1/4-mile Alabama Stakes (G1) this Saturday at Saratoga Race Course. Second last time out in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) the Candy Ride filly won't have to face the winner of that race, as the connections of Thorpedo Anna, undefeated this year, have opted for the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (G1) instead. More from the BloodHorse here. | |
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Team hopes findings will help improve equine welfare after showing cognitive abilities include being ‘goal-directed’
| Equine scientists believe they have demonstrated a much higher degree of intelligence in horses than previously assumed. (anakondaN /Getty Images) | The old English proverb “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink” has been used since the 16th century to describe the difficulty of getting someone to act in their own best interests. Now, research by equine scientists suggests the use of this phrase has been inadvertently maligning horses for centuries. More from The Guardian here. | |
Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
Our history guy is on the hunt. There are a couple of trophies that have gone missing and Bob’s out to try and track them down. One is the original Gold Cup which vanished in 1979/80. The other disappeared about two years before Assiniboia Downs even opened and was associated with the Manitoba and Canadian Derbies. Click here for more information regarding these relics from another time, and let’s see if we can help solve the mysteries.
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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
- Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, August 25 - more info
- Summer of Sound - Friday, August 30 - 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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