The Inside Track | Issue #140 | July 12, 2024 | |
|
ASD Hours
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- VLT machines are sanitized between use
| |
|
Revised 2024 Live Race Dates
-
Monday, May 20 to Tuesday, September 24 - click here for schedule
| |
|
In this edition . . .
- What's happening at the Downs?
- Free Family Fun Activities every Monday
- Manitoba Derby VIP
- Win $500 Cash After Each Live Race Night
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Stellar Horse Performances Highlight Week
- Brittany Jonatanson wins Las Vegas Challenge
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot In Time
- Temporary ASD Schedule Change
- Manitoba Derby Update
- Tips and Trends for Betting Saratoga
- Bob's Blog
- Upcoming Events
| |
|
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
| |
Assiniboia Downs Player Portal
Assiniboia Downs racing information in one convenient place!
Check out our Player Portal here
| |
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.
| |
|
HPI Promotion - Manitoba Derby VIP
You could be a Manitoba Derby VIP! Earn an entry for every $50 spent on ASD each race night in July. Five draws will be made on Friday, July 26 for the following:
- $500 HPI deposit for Manitoba Derby Night.
- An invitation for two to the Manitoba Derby Press Conference which includes complimentary lunch and beverages.
- Reserved seating for two on Manitoba Derby Night at the Manitoba Derby VIP table which includes a complimentary Prime Rib buffet.
See complete details at HPIbet.com.
| |
5% Cash Back - Saturday, July 13
Earn 5% cash back when you wager $100 or more on any track(s) on Saturday, July 13. Maximum cash back $25. You must opt-in and wager on your HPI account. See complete rules and opt-in at HPIbet.com.
| |
|
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
-
Spacious Area: Our gaming lounge provides ample room for you to relax and enjoy your gaming experience comfortably.
-
Sanitization: VLT machines are sanitized between use.
-
Great Customer Service: Our friendly staff is dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring your visit is enjoyable from start to finish.
-
Licensed Lounge: Sip on your favourite drinks from our licensed lounge while you play.
-
Food & Drink: Indulge in delicious food and drinks available right in the gaming lounge.
| |
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
-
Lucky Stars: Lucky Stars will be played at various times throughout the day. Enter for a chance to pick a Lucky Star for up to $100 cash.
-
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!
|  | |
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, July 15 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
-
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
-
Winning ticket numbers are posted at 5050.ASDowns.com
- Manitoba Jockey Club LGCA-5630-RF-44247
| |
There's Always a Deal at ASD! | |
|
$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!
| |
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.
Call 204-885-3330 to reserve your table.
Adults - $54.95, Seniors (65+) - $49.95, Children 6 to 12 - $32.95, Children 5 & under - $19.95
| |
At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
|
Stellar Horse Performances Highlight Week at ASD
Possible Manitoba Derby entrants impress, 2-year-old star emerging
| |
Talented 3-year-old McEwen (#7) on his way to victory in the 6th race on Monday evening at ASD. Antonio Whitehall up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
|
Stellar performances in stakes and otherwise highlighted this week at Assiniboia Downs, and we got a great look at a few of the horses eligible for the $125,000 Manitoba Derby on Monday, August 5.
Trainer Shelley Brown turned loose 3-year-old gelding McEwen in the sixth race on Monday evening to win his second race in a row in an N2X allowance. The Florida-bred son of Khozan-Solved by Elusive Quality defeated older horses in the race and got what could be the perfect prep for the Manitoba Derby.
Owned by All For One Stable, Bette Holtman, Olsen S. Belle, and Tom Payne, the $7,000 purchase by trainer Shelley Brown at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company 2024 Winter Mixed Sale opened up early under jockey Antonio Whitehall and never looked back, drawing off to win by an impressive 5 3/4-lengths as the favourite. Could he be Manitoba Derby bound? If so, he might have company in the form of Manitoba-breds.
| |
Manitoba-bred Commandoslastdance wins the 17th running of the $40,000 Hazel Wright Sire Stakes on Tuesday. Prayven Badrie up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
|
On Tuesday evening trainer Mike Nault saddled 3-year-old filly Commandoslastdance to win the 17th running of the $40,000 Hazel Wright Sire Stakes, and while she only won by a neck, it wasn’t as close as it looks. The big bay filly by Going Commando-Sweet Tizzy Lizzy by Tiznow has a lumbering style to her, but once she gets rolling she’s going to get you. She just keeps coming.
Owned by top Manitoba owners A2 Thoroughbreds and True North Thoroughbreds, Commandoslastdance was bred by Keaton and Aiden Ziprick and sold for $17,000 by Ziprick Thoroughbreds at the 2022 Manitoba CTHS Yearling Sale. Commandoslastdance was ridden by Prayven Badrie in her latest stakes triumph, and added to her two previous stakes wins as a 2-year-old in the Debutante Stakes and Buffalo Stakes. The improving Manitoba-bred has now compiled a record of 3-0-1 from eight starts for earnings of over $90,000. Well done!
| |
A2 Thoroughbreds and True North Thoroughbreds in the winner's circle after their victory with Manitoba-bred Commandoslastdance in the Hazel Wright Sire Stakes on Tuesday. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
|
On Wednesday we got to witness another potential superstar Manitoba-bred in the making when No Show No Call demolished his field in the 37th running of the $40,000 Frank Arnason Sire Stakes for Manitoba-sired colts and geldings. The 3-year-old gelding by Kentucky Bear-She’s Regal by Going Commando was full of run outside early in the race while not being asked by jockey Ronald Ali, dueled into the turn, opened up, and drew off to win by 12 widening lengths with lots left in the tank. He could have won by much more.
Bred by Cam Ziprick and Charles Fouillard and owned by Staffmax Stable and Club 3D Stable, No Show No Call was a $17,000 purchase in the 2022 Manitoba CTHS Yearling Sale. Improving quickly for trainer Mike Taphorn, No Show No Call has compiled a record of 3-1-0 from five starts for earnings of over $50,000 and it appears the sky’s the limit for this talented sophomore.
|  | Manitoba-bred No Show No Call romps to victory under jockey Ronald Ali in the 37th running of the $40,000 Frank Arnason Sire Stakes on Wednesday. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
|
And while we’re on the subject of talent, watch out for Welcometohollywood, a 2-year-old Kentucky-bred filly that trainer Jared Brown unleashed in the first 2-year-old race of the year on Tuesday against a well-regarded field. Owned by Jared Brown and John Ganas, the daughter of Omaha Beach-Arch of Troy by Archarcharch was purchased for $7,000 in the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale and she looks like she’s worth far more than that.
Veering in at the break, Welcometohollywood stalked a duel inside early, moved outside on the turn, and drew away under jockey Antonio Whitehall to win the 4 ½-furlong Maiden Special Weight race by three lengths. And she never really looked like she got out of a gallop.
There be star power here.
| |
Jockey Antonio Whitehall and trainer Jared Brown congratulate each other while groom Susan Crane leads Welcometohollywood into the winner's circle after winning the first 2-year-old race of the year impressively on Tuesday. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
|
Like Father, Like Daughter
Brittany Jonatanson beats mom and dad, 80 rivals, in Las Vegas Challenge Tourney
| |
Brittany Jonatanson with father Larry Liebrecht at ASD's Manitoba Food Truck Battles | |
|
Brittany Jonatanson followed in the footsteps of her father, sharp handicapper Larry Liebrecht, and took down the $3,500 first prize in Monday’s Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournament, and she did it with gut feelings and pretty horses.
Jonatanson built her bankroll to $54.30 to defeat runner-up Mac Stewin ($53.50) by 80 cents and third-place finisher Barry Mymko ($49.60) by less than five dollars. Brittany’s father Larry, a multi-time tournament winner, finished 36th among the 80-plus entries with a bankroll of $25.50, and her mom Cecilia, also a previous tourney winner, finished 7th with a bankroll of $43.50.
“It feels pretty exciting,” said Jonatanson. “I won by the skin of my teeth. I’ve been playing for quite a while now, so coming in first is awesome. I don't play every week or every month, but I've been playing for a long time.”
And the $3,500 first-place money is already allocated.
“We’re going to get some new shingles,” said Jonatanson. “This will come pretty close to covering the cost, as long as we do the work ourselves."
There were 12 women in this month’s tournament, and you’d have to say they outperformed the percentages. And it wasn’t the first time the 37-year-old Jonatanson had won either.
“I won it when I was 20,” said the Selkirk resident. “I didn't get to go to Vegas, but they gave me the cash. I was 21 by the time the trip would have taken place, but because I was 20 at the time of winning, I couldn't take the trip.”
Jonatanson learned how to handicap from her father, but said “It’s still mostly luck for me. I don't know all the angles. I'm not a great handicapper. I go by gut feelings and pretty horses.”
Jonatanson had only two winners on Monday, Eleven Ninthstreet ($14.60) in the first race, and Giant One ($3.50) in the second race, but along with three places it was enough to get her home on top.
Jonatanson has been going the races at the Downs since she was a teenager, but her favourite part of attending the races isn’t the handicapping.
“My dad has been taking me to the track since I was little,” she said. “I can’t even remember how long ago that was. Honestly, the bonding with my dad is my favourite part, getting to sit down with him and go over things. It's his favourite thing to do, so I enjoy getting to do it with him. And we love the horses. We’re a horse family.”
Jonatanson’s mother owns a ranch, and her 17-year-old daughter started grooming horses at the track this summer.
“I’ve been around horses since I was 14, so I’ve had a horse connection my whole life,” said Jonatanson. “We ride a lot. My daughter Evelyn competes a little bit, but we mostly just ride around the yard for fun. Evelyn does mostly barrel racing. She’s going to be competing in the Selkirk rodeo this weekend. She’s pretty good at it."
“It's been so much fun to play in the tournament and to have that connection with my dad, and we always have so much fun at the Downs. You know, it's always a great night out there, so much fun.”
Recommendations for other people thinking about entering the contest?
“Just do it,” said Jonatanson. “What's the worst that can happen? It's only $50 to enter, and you never know. My dad’s not going to like this part, but sometimes it's all about luck...”
Gut feelings and pretty horses.
| |
|
Looking for a Special Photo of Your Big Horse or...?
Track Photographer Jason Halstead may have just what you're looking for
| |
Commandoslastdance gets a hug from groom Olive Johnston after winning the Hazel Wright Sire Stakes on Tuesday evening for trainer Mike Nault. 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. |
- Assiniboia Downs (July 15) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $310,808
- Monmouth (July 12) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $267,363
See all carryovers here.
| |
|
Can't make it to the track to wager?
Watch and wager at one of our off-track betting locations:
| |
"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group | |
|
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 Saratoga 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.
| |
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
| |
This year marks the 95th Running of the Winnipeg Futurity, which takes place on September 17th. In 1963, a true racing oddity took place when Canadian Zenith and Double Dove finished in a thrilling dead-heat for first place. It marked the only time in Downs’ history that two horses tied for first place in a stakes race. At least that was the case until this past June 3rd, when Zorina and She’s My Niece dead-heated in the Slinkylady Overnight Stakes. Today our Snapshot in Time pays tribute to the 2006 Futurity winner First Cavalry. (Gerry Hart photo) | |
|
Quarantine allows horses to continue to race, but no ship-ins strains horse supply
| |
Horses entering the clubhouse turn at Assiniboia Downs. (ASDowns.com) | |
|
Assiniboia Downs has announced a temporary change to its racing schedule for the remainder of the meet due to proactive measures taken in response to a recent equine health concern. Starting the week of July 15, racing will shift to a two-day Monday-Tuesday schedule until August 12, after which the regular three-day Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday schedule will resume. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
View revised ASD schedule here.
| |
|
Due to EIA quarantine restrictions, the Manitoba Derby will temporarily not be part of the Western Canadian Derby Series. The $100,000 Sweep bonus has been removed, but the $25,000 owner/trainer bonus remains.
| |
|
The Western Canadian Derby Series, previously involving the $125,000 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs, the $200,000 Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Century Mile racetrack in Edmonton, and the $125,000 Grade 3 B.C. Derby at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, has been revised to now remove the Manitoba Derby for the 2024 race season due to the continued federal quarantine of the backstretch barn area of Assiniboia Downs. The Manitoba Derby will still be run on Monday, August 5, but will temporarily not be part of the series. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
| |
|
40-day summer meeting kicked off July 11
| |
Some of the best turf racing in the world will take place at Saratoga this summer. (Coglianese Photos) | |
If you are a serious horseplayer, the Saratoga Race Course meet is the summer place to be for handicappers and horse racing aficionados. The highly anticipated 40-day Saratoga racing season lasts throughout the heart of the summer from July 11, running five days a week Wednesdays through Sundays, and ending Labor Day, Sept. 2. The Saratoga meet will feature 71 stakes races worth a total of $20.75 million in purses, and the marquee stakes day will be Travers Day Saturday, Aug. 24. Tips and trends from the BloodHorse here. | |
|
Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
The six furlong distance has always been one of the most popular races carded at the Downs and there have been a ton of them run here over the years. On September 19, 1958 a horse named Mazur was credited with setting the track record when he was clocked at 1:10 2/5. It would be 15 years before another horse would top Mazur’s performance. All told his mark would be equaled no fewer than six times.
Finally, on May 20, 1973 a new record was established when a Don Gray-trained gelding clipped 1/5 of a second off Mazur’s time. His name you ask? Hint: He was a son of a horse who won two American Triple Crown races, and his name was? Click here to find out the name of this local record-setter and his champion father.
| |
|
Upcoming events at ASD
-
Lucky Stars - Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. - more info
-
Lucky Spins - Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. - more info
- Live Racing - Monday, July 15 & Tuesday, July 16 - more info
- Free Family Fun Activities - Monday, July 15 - more info
- Draw for $500 Cash after each live race night in the VLT Lounge - more info
-
Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, July 21 - more info
| |
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. | |
| | | |
