The Inside Track | Issue #154 | October 18, 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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Assiniboia Downs is Open-Year Round
- 140 VLTs open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Free games for cash prizes!
- Draws for $200 cash every Friday, Saturday & Sunday starting Friday, Nov. 1
- Wagering on top tracks from North America & Europe
- Daily Happy Hour, $11.95 lunch specials, evening specials and full dining menu
- Facility rentals
- Special events
Go to ASDowns.com for a complete list of upcoming events and specials.
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In this edition . . .
- What's happening at the Downs?
- Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament
- Daily Draws for Cash in VLT Lounge
- Breeders' Cup from Del Mar
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Chef's Weekend Specials
- 2024 at ASD in Photos
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Week 7
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot in Time: Mr. Macho
- Undefeated Economics Headlines Champion Stakes
- 2024 Raven Run Stakes At A Glance
- Aebly Wins Back-To-Back Stakes at Woodbine at Long Odds
- Best of Bob: Last Breaths and Forever Fred
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Player's Choice Tournaments
- Player’s Choice – This Saturday, October 19
- Player’s Choice – Saturday, November 23
- Player’s Choice – Saturday, December 28
Entry fee $25. Entrants pick 10 races from any thoroughbred, harness or quarter horse track that is racing on the contest day. A $2 WPS wager is placed on one horse from each race. The entrant with the highest bankroll is the winner.
Prizes:
- 1st Place: $1,000 plus trophy
- 2nd Place: $400
- 3rd Place: $200
- 4th Place: $100
- 5th Place: $50
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
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, September 2 - Winner: Paul Gray
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, September 23 – Winner: Alan Hampton
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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 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!
New! Coming in November
- Draws for $200 Cash every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Join us in the VLT Lounge every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a chance to win $200 cash. Dinner specials, drink specials and a chance to win some cash! It doesn't get any better than that!
- Draws for a chance to spin our Lucky Wheel for cash prizes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.
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Breeders' Cup from Del Mar
Friday, Nov. 1 & Saturday, Nov. 2
- 3% cash back bonus on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2. Wager $1,000 or more on your HPI account on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 and receive 3% cash back to a maximum of $100. ($2.10 wagers are not eligible). All wagers must be placed on your HPI account to qualify.
- Special Breeders' Cup Handicapping Show with ASD Live's Kirt & Stretch.
- Free Breeders' Cup programs and DRF at all locations. The free programs and DRF will be available at all locations by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30.
- Breeders' Cup merchandise draws at all locations.
- The Terrace Dining Room will be open for seating. If you would like to reserve a table please call 204-885-3330. The Club West menu will be available along with the daily food specials. Please note that there will not be a buffet.
$500 EXCLUSIVE BREEDERS’ CUP CONTEST
- This exclusive contest is free to enter and is open to anyone who has participated in at least one of the eleven Assiniboia Downs Handicapping Contests that have taken place in 2024.
- The contest will take place on the five Breeders’ Cup races (races 6 through 10) on Friday, November 1 and the nine Breeders’ Cup races (races 4 through 12) from Del Mar on Saturday, November 2. Select the winner of each of the fourteen Breeders’ Cup races.
- The total number of winners from Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 will be added together and the $500 HPI deposit will be awarded to the person who has selected the most winners.
- In the event of a tie, the $500 HPI deposit will be divided equally between all the winners.
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There's Always a Deal at ASD! | |
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New! $11.95 Daily Lunch Specials
Daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Each day of the week will feature a daily food item as outlined below.
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Mondays: Jalapeno Chicken Parm Sandwich
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Tuesdays: Downs Burger
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Wednesdays: Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomato
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Thursdays: Taco Salad
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Fridays: Crispy Chicken Ranch Wrap
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Saturdays: Western Omelette
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Sundays: Hot Beef Sandwich
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Happy Hour
New hours! Daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close.
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Drink Specials
- 6 oz. House Wine - $5.50
- House Spirits - $5.50
- Domestic Beer - $5.50
- House Lager Pint - $6.00
- Downs Caesar - $7.00
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Appetizer Specials
- Sweet Potato Fries - $8.95
- Chicken Fingers - $8.95
- Cheese Nachos - $8.95
- Pot Stickers - $8.95
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All of the above specials are dine-in only and are subject to applicable taxes. | |
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Evening Chef's Specials
Daily from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Reservations are not required.
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Mondays: Chicken Finger Dinner $14.95 - Crispy breaded chicken tenders served with our famous honey dill dip. Served with fries and coleslaw.
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Tuesdays: 20% Off all regular priced food items.
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Wednesdays: Pizza $15.95 - 12-inch thin crust pizza. Ham & Pineapple, Pepperoni & Mushroom or Vegetarian (tomatoes, onions, peppers, black olives & mushrooms).
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Thursdays: Chipotle Mozza Burger $15.95 - Our signature chuck patty and crispy bacon smothered in melted mozzarella. Topped with fresh sliced tomato, fried onion rings, chipotle mayo and sweet bold barbecue sauce.
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Fridays: Steak & Suds $29.95 - 8 oz. NY Striploin charbroiled and seasoned with our smoky dry rub. Served with fresh vegetables and a choice of mashed potatoes or french fries. Plus a complimentary pint of ASD Lucky Lager.
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Saturdays: Prime Rib & Wine $29.95 - 8 oz. Certified Angus Prime Rib. Served with fresh vegetables and a choice of mashed potatoes or french fries, horseradish, and Yorkshire pudding au jus. Plus a complimentary 6 oz. glass of house wine.
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Sundays: Fish & Chips $16.95 - Two pieces of beer battered cod with tartar sauce and lemon. Served with french fries and coleslaw.
As a special bonus, everyone who orders one of the evening specials will receive a game card to play “Pick to Win” in our Club West Gaming Lounge. Pick the green poker chip and you can spin our cash wheel to win up to $100 cash!
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House Vodka, Rye, Gin, Rum & Spiced Rum - 1 oz - $4
Every night from 11 p.m. to Midnight
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
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2024 at Assiniboia Downs in Photos
Sovereign Award winner Jason Halstead captures essence of horse racing at ASD
| Sovereign Award-winning photographer Jason Halstead has a knack for capturing the essence of horse racing and that's why we love his photos, and 2024 at Assiniboia Downs was no exception. A big thanks to Jason for putting together this collection of some of his favourite shots from 2024! Enjoy! (And if you're looking for something special from your big race, or of your special horse, email Jason at jjhphoto@gmail.com.) | Mike Memnook of team Miyotehewastimak rides his mount Scar into the winner's circle during Manito Ahbee Indian Horse Relay Race action on May 20, 2024 at Assiniboia Downs. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Trainer Mike Taphorn and groom Katie Morris prepare to lead race-winner My Noah, with Prayven Badrie up, into the winner's circle on May 21, 2024 at Assiniboia Downs (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Trainer Shelley Brown smiles as she heads onto the track to greet her horse Finalize after a win at Assiniboia Downs on May 27, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Jockey Prayven Badrie rides Exacting to victory in Race 3 at Assiniboia Downs on May 28, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
From left, Sven Balroop on Saber Queen, Antonio Whitehall on Sherlyn Go Go, Renaldo Cumberbatch on Russian Pearl, and Sachin Parris on Golden Train burst from the gate during Race 1 on June 3, 2024 at Assiniboia Downs. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Race-winner Yola (Prayven Badrie up) basks in the golden light with groom Brittany Bergen and trainer Mike Nault after Race 4 at Assiniboia Downs on June 4, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Racing fans enjoy a colourful sunset at Assiniboia Downs on June 4, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Jockey Sven Balroop heads for the winner's circle aboard Keystone Cash after Race 1 at Assiniboia Downs on June 18, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Eventual race-winner Giant One (#3, with Dario Dalrymple up) passes Javaniel Patterson aboard Big and Bold (#1) and Renaldo Cumberbatch aboard Sir Goosa (#2) during Race 2 at Assiniboia Downs on July 8, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Deb and Marvin Buffalo embrace after their horse Spitten Kitten wins the 47th running of the Canada Stakes at Assiniboia Downs on July 16, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Race fans celebrate after Blame It On Brew's victory in Race 2 at Assiniboia Downs on July 30, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | Jockey Luis Fuentes rides back to the winner's circle aboard Bricklayer after winning the $125,000 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs on Aug. 5, 2024. (George Williams) | A muddied Dwight Lewis steers Salto Del Lupo to the winner's circle after victory in Race 2 at Assiniboia Downs on Aug. 19, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | Groom Kenroy ‘Cuba’ Rowe signals five wins in a row for Mechanic Susie with an extra-big horse-style smile after victory in Race 3 at Assiniboia Downs on Aug. 20, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | Trainer Steve Keplin, Jr., celebrates with jockey Sven Balroop after Exacting's victory in the Nephrite Overnight Stakes at Assiniboia Downs on Aug. 27, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | Trainer Mike Nault and groom Brittany Bergen greet Betterlucknexttime and jockey Prayven Badrie after their victory in the Buffalo Stakes on Sept. 16, 2024 at Assiniboia Downs. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Jockey Ronald Ali yells as he rides Magic Tiger to a narrow victory over Damario Bynoe on Big Nick and Prayven Badrie aboard Blazing Bo (rear, left) in the Gold Cup Stakes on Sept. 17, 2024 at Assiniboia Downs. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Groom Susan Crane shows her delight with Welcometohollywood after winning the Winnipeg Futurity Stakes on Sept. 17, 2024 at Assiniboia Downs. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | Amma’s Star, with Antonio Whitehall up (#6), takes a look sideways amid traffic during Race 3 at Assiniboia Downs on Sept. 23, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Distinct Tale lets off some steam while heading for the barn after victory in Race 4 at Assiniboia Downs for trainer Brent Hrymak on the final day of the meeting on Sept. 23, 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
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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 Mike Nault (left) and True North Thoroughbreds co-owner Phil Allard were all smiles in the winner's circle after Blazing Bo won the Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile for A2 Thoroughbreds on August 5 at ASD. (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 😊 | |
Top NFL Picks by TravyFootball Week 7
Steelers over Jets (Sunday night): Well, what a week these two teams have had. After the Jets blew what was a winnable game against the Bills on Monday night, they finally pulled the trigger on a trade that was speculated for weeks now, acquiring Davante Adams from the Raiders. Aaron Rodgers must be quite pleased about being reunited with his old teammate from Green Bay, as Adams will instantly make the Jets a much more dangerous team on offense. Not to be outdone with that news, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said Russell Wilson has been taking the first team snaps in practice this week and is in line to possibly start his first game as a Steeler. One might question why they are making a QB switch right now, as Justin Fields has played decently this season.
Rams over Raiders (Sunday afternoon): After trading star receiver Davante Adams away to the Jets, the Raiders have pretty much conceded the 2024/25 season. The biggest news of the week for Vegas wasn't the trade they made, it was Tom Brady becoming a minority owner in the team. Unfortunately for them though, he won't be suiting up to play quarterback anytime soon. The Rams are coming off their bye week, and even though they're still without their top two receiving threats in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, I think they won't be needed against the Raiders, who are lacking talent on both sides of the ball.
49ers over Chiefs (Sunday afternoon): Here we go again. Nine months later and I STILL haven't gotten over the sting of San Fran losing the Super Bowl to Chiefs. I've been waiting for this rematch since then, hoping the 49ers can finally get the monkey off their back and beat Patrick Mahomes. But as usual, it's easier said than done, hence Kansas City's 5-0 record. Of all the times these two teams have played over the last few years, I do believe this is the weakest version of the Chiefs that the 49ers will be up against. Even after everything he's done up to this point, there are still people out there who won't put Brock Purdy in the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the league. A victory here would silence those doubters once and for all.
Last week: 3-0
Season overall: 12-6
| 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. |
- Santa Anita (October 18) - Pick 6 carryover $47,835
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 | |
The "I Won Bigg" wagering group will be meeting every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the plaza in the Clubhouse. This week's tracks will be Woodbine, Santa Anita and Los Alamitos. Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information please email Larry. | |
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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On September 2, 1979 seven horses went to postward for the 50th running of the Winnipeg Futurity. Pictured above was one of the local hopefuls, #5 Mr. Macho with Jacques DesAutels in the saddle, as they made their way to the starting gate.
Mr. Macho was still a growing boy and was no match for eastern shipper Gemellion on that day, finishing fifth, but a tremendous career awaited him as he grew into one of the finest distance runners at the Downs. He later went on to win the King Edward Gold Cup Handicap at Woodbine. The classy runner also finished second in the Niagara Handicap (G3) at Fort Erie, and fourth in both the Arlington Handicap (G1) at Arlington Park and the San Luis Obispo Handicap (G2) at Santa Anita. (Angie Luckfield Photo).
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Unbeaten star faces 11 rivals in "Win and You're In" Breeders' Cup prep
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Economics (far right) finds more to defeat 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) winner Auguste Rodin in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown. | |
Undefeated European star Economics will face 11 smart rivals headed by classy French 3-year-old Calandagan when he bids to become the first horse since Magical in 2019 to complete the Irish Champion Stakes and QIPCO Champion Stakes double. If you're handicapping the Breeders' Cup, this is a must-watch race at Ascot Saturday. More from the Paulick Report here. | |
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Emery (7/5) the horse to beat in 10-horse field, Haulin Ice (12-1) a live longshot
| V V's Dream has been listed at 8-1 for Saturday's Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland. (Coady Photography) | 3-year-olds are running out of chances to race against horses of their own age in graded stakes, but the Lexus Raven Run Stakes this Saturday at Keeneland will give 10 sophomore filly sprinters the chance to add a Grade 2 win to their resume. And it's a good betting race. More from America's Best Racing here. | |
Former ASD rider wins back-to-back stakes at Woodbine at huge odds
| Former ASD jockey Fraser Aebly guides A Game to victory in the day $135,000 Ontario Fashion Stakes (Grade III) presented by Tanqueray. A Game is owned by Mark Dodson and trained by Josie Carroll. (Woodbine/ Michael Burns Photo) | Bettors at Woodbine were scratching their heads last Saturday when former ASD rider Fraser Aebly won the first two Woodbine stakes races of his career. Aebly guided Ecstasy to a 27-to-1 upset in the $127,500 Ontario Damsel Stakes, and one race later threaded the needle with 48-to-1 shot A Game to win the $154,090 Ontario Fashion Stakes (G3). Congratulations Fraser! More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
From May 25, 2023: Last Breaths and Forever Fred
Not every horse our history guy writes about was a record breaker or star of the stakes’ races. This go around Bob delights in telling the story of a modest claimer with bragging rights of his own. Does anyone remember Don Keyes and his horse, Fred? While Fred didn’t run under that name, he spent his entire career at the Downs from 1976 to 1987 and could boast of having Native Dancer as his great granddaddy. Click here to read the heart-warming tale of Fred and the love of his life, Mother.
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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
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Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, October 19 - more info
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SCREAM 2024 featuring Fisher - Sunday, October 27 - tickets
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Starting Friday, Nov. 1st - Draws for $200 Cash every Friday, Saturday & Sunday - more info
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Breeders' Cup - Friday, Nov. 1 & Saturday, Nov. 2 - more info
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Inspirations Market - Saturday, Nov. 9 & Sunday, Nov. 10 - 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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