NFL Picks by TravyFootball

Week 5

This week I’m breaking down two matchups where shaky offensive lines and struggling quarterbacks could decide the outcome. I’ll tell you which defences are primed to dominate, and which teams need to prove they can move the ball if they want a shot at winning. Get the full breakdown of my Week 5 picks here.

Thanksgiving Buffet

Sunday, October 12

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive buffet on Sunday, October 12 from 4–8 p.m. at Assiniboia Downs. Savour roast turkey with all the trimmings, carved ham, seasonal sides, and decadent desserts like pecan, apple, and pumpkin pie with ice cream. See full menu here.

Tickets: Adults $44.95 | Ages 6–12 $29.95 | Ages 5 & under $16.95

The Thanksgiving Buffet sells out every year so don't miss out and order your tickets today!

204-885-3330.

Looking for a Special Photo?

Track Photographer Jason Halstead may have just what you're looking for

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 😊

A Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates

Pictured here is “Red” Smith’s 2-year-old gelding Fancy As winning the Buffalo Stakes 25 years ago on September 17, 2000. Fancy As was one of the finest Manitoba-breds ever. He was bred by our own Ed Pawluk and as a two and three-year-old won 13 of his first 15 starts, finishing second in the other two races. (Gerry Hart photo)

Breath Away Makes Canadian Debut in Dance Smartly - Fall Turf Pick 3

Nine fillies and mares will vie for top spot in the $200,000 bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes (G2T) on Saturday at Woodbine on a stellar card that also includes the Nearctic Stakes (G2T) and the Canadian International (G1). Breath Away, a multiple graded stakes-placed mare, has been listed at 6-1 for her first appearance in Canada in the Dance Smartly, which awards the winner an automatic invitation to the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2T) at Gulfstream in January.

A special Fall Turf Pick 3 with a $5 minimum and a 15% takeout will be offered on the three turf stakes. Sounds like a fun bet to us!

-- Canadian Thoroughbred

Three Double-Digit Longshots to Consider on Fall Stars Saturday at Keeneland

It’s opening weekend at Keeneland, and one of the premier meets in the country boasts a stellar Saturday program with 11 races, including five graded stakes that serve as key preps for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Andrew Champagne at America's Best Racing has several horses you may want to take a closer look at. They figure to be pretty big prices on Saturday, but the potential is there for them to outrun their odds.

-- America's Best Racing

Thorpedo Anna Seeks Eighth Grade 1 Win in Spinster

Reigning Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna has not raced at Keeneland since her debut in October 2023, when she romped to an 8 1/2-length win in a 7-furlong maiden special weight.

The 4-year-old daughter of Fast Anna returns to the Lexington track on Sunday for the $650,000 Spinster Stakes (G1), seeking her eighth win at the highest level. "It is all systems go," said trainer Kenny McPeek.

-- BloodHorse

Bob's Blog

There's No Place Like Home

We have reached the end of Bob’s Blogs for the 2025 season. This week he does his usual year-end review with the "Old Man" from the last row of the benches in the shade of the grandstand. Click here to see what the old man has to say this year.

While this is the last of Bob’s stories for this season, we haven’t heard the last of the history guy. Starting next week in this very spot, we will once again feature "The Best of Bob." The re-runs of some of Bob’s faves will take us through the winter, until he returns next spring to delight us with new tales of the turf.