The Inside Track | Issue #130 | May 3, 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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2024 Live Race Dates
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Monday, May 20 to Tuesday, September 17 - click here for schedule
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In this edition . . .
- What's happening at the Downs?
- Kentucky Derby 150
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Gourneau Ships In, Tarasenco Ready
- New Arrival: Eclipso!
- 2024 Condition Book #1
- 2024 Shipping Incentive Program
- Waiting For Dad by Tim Cox
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot In Time: Tom Adkins
- Fierceness, Sierra Leone, Derby Showdown
- Favoured Fillies Face Questions in Oaks
- Kentucky Derby/Oaks Updates
- Steve Haskin's Kentucky Derby Analysis
- The Best of Bob - Harry Jeffrey
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Player's Choice Tournaments:
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
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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.
Daily Draws:
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Lucky Stars: Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enter for a chance to pick a Lucky Star for up to $100 cash.
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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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Kentucky Derby
Join us for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4!
ASD Live Kentucky Derby Show: Kirt and Stretch have handicapped the Derby and you can watch here.
Special Offer: Indulge in our exclusive RazDerby Lemonade served in a classic Kentucky Derby Mint Julep glass for just $9.99! Plus, you get to take the glass home with you!
Free Programs & DRF: Free programs and the DRF are available at Assiniboia Downs and off-track locations (excluding casinos).
Free Draws: Draws will be made at Assiniboia Downs and off-track locations (excluding casinos) for Kentucky Derby merchandise packages.
Watch & Wager: Catch all the heart-pounding action live at Assiniboia Downs (doors open at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 3 & Saturday, May 4), one of our convenient off-track betting locations or HPIbet.com. Place your bets and cheer on your favourite contenders as they run for the roses!
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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.
- Club West Dining Room & Lounge menu
- Daily Happy Hour specials
- All Day Daily Drink features
- Daily Evening Chef's specials.
- Mother's Day Brunch - SOLD OUT
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Special Offer!
$10 off Live Racing Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet |  | |
To celebrate live racing, we are offering $10 off our Certified Angus Prime Rib buffet on Monday, May 20, Tuesday, May 21,
Monday, May 27 & Tuesday, May 28
Reserve your table today for our renowned Certified Angus Prime Rib buffet. Live racing and a prime rib buffet - it doesn't get much better than that!
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.
The table is yours for the entire evening and includes complimentary racing programs and tip sheets.
Adults - $54.95, Seniors (65+) - $49.95, Children 6 to 12 - $32.95, Children 5 & under - $19.95
Reservations are required. Call 204-885-3330 and mention the promo code LIVE10 to receive this special offer!
Click here for our 2024 racing schedule.
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Offer is valid on the dates below only:
- Monday, May 20
- Tuesday, May 21
- Monday, May 27
- Tuesday, May 28
Cannot be combined with any other offer.
USE PROMO CODE LIVE10
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
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Jerry Gourneau Ships In, Tarasenco Ready For Action
Record-setting trainer will have 48 horses in quest for fifth straight title
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Record-setting ASD trainer Jerry Gourneau (left) with jockey Antonio Whitehall and owner Henry S. Witt, Jr. in the winner's circle after their victory in the 2023 Manitoba Derby with Mano Dura. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Reigning leading trainer Jerry Gourneau arrived in the backstretch with 19 horses and more to come, "Comeback Kid" Tim Tarasenco was looking fit and ready to roll into his second year back in the saddle, 30-year backstretch maintenance man Steve Thompson was eyeing retirement, and three-time leading rider Antonio Whitehall painted a lonely picture exercising a horse on the training track on a rainy Thursday morning.
That same rain might show up for the Kentucky Derby this Saturday, but by next week it should be all sunshine and flowers for the locals.
Record-setting ASD leading trainer Jerry Gourneau looked happy to be back at Assiniboia Downs on Thursday morning, although he didn't stay long. He had more horses to pick up south of the border. Gourneau spent the winter at Remington Park and Sam Houston before making his way to his usual spring spot at Fonner Park.
"That's our bread and butter place to pick up horses," said Gourneau. "We claimed 19 at Fonner." Gourneau is expected to have 48 horses at the Downs by the time the race meet begins here on Monday, May 20.
Gourneau won his record fourth consecutive training title at the Downs in 2023, and the cherry on top of that accomplishment was a win in the Manitoba Derby for his longtime client Henry S. Witt, Jr. with longshot Mano Dura. Gourneau will be a force again in 2024, and he might just have another Derby horse in the barn by Goldencents.
"You don't know until the time comes around," said Gourneau. "I wish I had a crystal ball to say, 'Hey, are you gonna be a Derby horse?' And it comes up and says, 'Yes, I'm your Derby winner.' But we don't have those crystal balls."
A safer prediction?
Gourneau will lead the trainer standings again in 2024 and win his record-setting fifth consecutive trainer title.
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2023 J.W. Sifton stakes winner Sugar Daddy Jack gets a pat from groom Brad McKenna and jockey Tim Tarasenco outside trainer Carl Anderson's barn. (George Williams) | |
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Tim Tarasenco and groom Brad McKenna were tending to their J.W. Sifton Stakes winner Sugar Daddy Jack for trainer Carl Anderson on Thursday morning, and reported that he is training better than ever. They're hoping for a big year from Tom Boyko's Manitoba-bred by Nonios-Nickel Candy by Silver Deputy, who was bred by Larry Falloon. Tarasenco is also hoping to follow up on his comeback year with another strong performance.
The 58-year-old saddlesmith won 15 races last year after what was basically a 25-year-layoff, although he did ride a few horses in 2022. Regardless, Tarasenco won at a 16% clip and silenced any would be doubters last year with some excellent work in the saddle, and he arrived fit and ready to roll this spring from south of the border. Tarasenco ventured to tracks in South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Louisiana, Florida and Illinois over the winter and kept himself fit exercising horses, and riding a few along the way.
"I was getting on 15-20 horses a day," said Tarasenco, who added that at one of the tracks he was at there were 189 riders on the list. That might make mounts tough to come by if you don’t have an outfit to ride first call for.
That's what Tarasenco did for trainer Carl Anderson here last year, but he also started to catch on with other trainers near the end of the meet, including Wendy Anderson, Mike Taphorn and Tom Gardipy, Jr. And this spring he's also been working horses for Marvin and Deb Buffalo, who he saw in Tampa Bay.
"We had a great time down there," said Tarasenco, but he was also happy to be back home.
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Steve Thompson is retiring from ASD after 30 years in the backstretch as a maintenance professional, but he plans to keep training a few horses, including his 8-time winner Double Time. (George Williams) | |
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Steve Thompson is retiring after 30 years of doing maintenance in the ASD backstretch, and you can bet horse people are going to miss his friendly face, but he won't be far away.
Now 71, Thompson originally arrived here from Alberta 30 years ago, and he has many fond memories of the "old days" in the backstretch, saying he misses many of the racetrack characters of the past.
Thompson plans to keep training his 4-horse stable, which is led by 8-time winner Double Time. He also has three half brothers to Double Time, including a 2-year-old, with another half brother or sister expected anytime out of his mare Quiet Time by Quiet American.
Now a 10-year-old, Double Time is looking as chipper as ever, and eager to train in the mornings. The son of Vengeful Wildcat has paid his way every year for Thompson, compiling a record of 8-4-5 from 53 starts for earnings of $67,209.
There will be a Happy Retirement Come-and-Go from 1-3 p.m. on Friday in the track kitchen, to celebrate Thompson's many years at the Downs. Refreshments and snacks will be served.
Complemented by memories.
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Meet Eclipso! (Nonios-Stormy Barbados by Vengeful Wildcat) Bred by Dr. Betty Hughes and born in Lake Francis on April 8, 2024. Thanks to Frank Johnson for the photo! | |
Download a copy of Condition Book #1 here or click on the image above. | |
“Enjoy every moment you have. Because in life, there are no rewinds, only flashbacks. Make sure it’s all worth it.” ~ Anonymous. "Waiting For Dad" painted by Tim Cox in 1991 featuring his son Jake with Richard and Barrie. See more original paintings from Tim Cox here. | |
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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
| Trainer Carl Anderson was all smiles after winning the 4th race on June 21, 2023 with Not Afraid (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 May. | Three-time leading ASD rider Antonio Whitehall taking Hezadoozie for a spin in the rain on the training track Thursday morning for trainer Courtney Ross. (George Williams) |
- Churchill Downs (May 3) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $17,991
- Santa Anita (May 3) - Super Hi-5 carryover $13,859
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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Trainer Mike Nault leads a youngster to the training track. Prayven Badrie up. (George Williams) | |
"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group | |
Join the "I Won Bigg" wagering group on the Clubhouse plaza this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The wagering group is open to everyone. The group will play Churchill and maybe some Santa Anita this week. $20 per share. If you would like more information please email Larry. | |
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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As most of you have probably heard, we lost jockey Tom Adkins this past March. Tom was one of only seven riders to win more than 1,000 races at Assiniboia Downs. He began his career at ASD in 1975 and won his 1,000th race at the Downs in 1994. 40 years ago, Tom rode a 6-bagger on the August 8, 1984 race card, making him part of a select group of five jockeys who rode six or more winners on a single card of racing here. (Gerry Hart photo) | |
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Two Japanese horses, Forever Young and T O Password, add foreign flavour
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Sierra Leone winning the Bluegrass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. (Mathea Kelley) | |
Bluegrass Stakes (G1) winner Sierra Leone and Florida Derby (G1) winner Fierceness will be favoured to win the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) on Saturday, May 4, but they'll have to battle through 18 additional rivals to get to the finish line first, in a race that is notorious for traffic troubles. Can they do it? More from the Blood Horse here. | |
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) winner Just F Y I makes just her second start of the year in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on Friday at Churchill Downs. (Barbara D. Livingston) | |
Is the second time the charm? That’s just one of the questions the top contenders will have to answer in the 150th running of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on Friday at Churchill Downs. Just F Y I, last year’s Eclipse Award champion juvenile filly, got a late start to her 3-year-old campaign and makes just her second start of the season in the Oaks. The same is true of Thorpedo Anna and Ways and Means. More from the Daily Racing Form here. | |
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Encino out, Epic Ride in, top Woodbine jockey Kazushi Kimura works his mount
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Just Steel, trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, has lots of foundation heading into the Kentucky Derby (G1) on Saturday, with three second-place finishes this year. (Kentucky Derby) | |
Canada’s reigning champion jockey Kazushi Kimura took Japanese colt T O Password for a spin over the Churchill Downs dirt track on Tuesday morning, speeding through four furlongs in 46.80 seconds in preparation for Saturday's Kentucky Derby, while Encino was scratched and Epic Ride Drew in. More Derby/Oaks news from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
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Steve Haskin's analysis and wagering suggestions for the 2024 Kentucky Derby
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Steve Haskin provides an in-depth analysis of the 2024 Kentucky Derby contenders with wagering suggestions. Also make sure to look at the comments section for more gold nuggets. Read more at Secretariat.com here. | |
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Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
Who was Assiniboia Downs’ very first employee? Hint: He was once a jockey who competed against the likes of Red Pollard and George Woolf of Seabiscuit fame. An even better hint: There’s an ASD stakes race that honours his memory. Give up? Bob’s got the fascinating details here (From June 18, 2017).
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Upcoming events at ASD
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Lucky Stars - Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. - more info
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Lucky Spins - Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. - more info
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Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 4 - more info
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Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, May 11 - more info
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Mother's Day Brunch - Sunday, May 12 - SOLD OUT
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Live Racing begins Victoria Day - Monday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. - more info
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MB Food Truck Battles - Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26 - more info
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Western Canada Rib Fest - Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2 - more info
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Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, June 9 - 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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