The Inside Track | Issue #162 | Friday, December 13, 2024 | |
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ASD Hours
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- VLT machines are sanitized between use
ASD Holiday Hours
- Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25 - Closed
- Boxing Day, Thursday, Dec. 26 - Regular Hours - 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
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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!
- Free Draws for $200 cash every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 9 p.m.
- Wagering on top tracks from North America, Europe & Australia
- 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?
- Draws in the VLT Lounge every Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Christmas Buffet - SOLD OUT
- New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance
- AI Handicapping Test #5. La Prevoyante Stakes.
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Week 15
- Wagering, Betting Bonuses & More
- A Snapshot in Time: Forever Maxwell
- Canadian Stakes Stars Entered at Turfway
- Two $500K Stallion Stakes Top Rich Big A Card
- Baffert Seeks 9th Los Alamitos Futurity Win
- Best of Bob: Secret Weapons and Other 50-year-old Memories of Nice Dancer
- Upcoming Events
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Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. | |
140 VLTs
More VLTs = More Jackpots! See our recent Jackpot Wins below:
Dec. 11 - Poker - $1,200
Dec. 11 - Viracocha - $1,250
Dec. 10 - Viracocha - $1,059
Dec. 7 - Cash Eruption - $1,250
Dec. 7 - 5 Times - $1,000
Dec. 7 - Wild Life Extreme - $1,250
Dec. 7 - Keno - $1,250
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ASD is the place to be every Friday, Saturday & Sunday night! A Free Draw for $200 Cash plus a chance to Spin the Lucky Wheel to win up to $100! | |
Cash Draws!
Spin the Cash Wheel every Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Enter for a chance to spin the lucky Cash Wheel to win up to $100 cash. Draws from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Draws for $200 Cash every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Join us in the VLT Lounge every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a chance to win $200 cash. The draw for $200 cash will take place at 9 p.m.
Dinner specials, drink specials and a chance to win some cash! It doesn't get any better than that!
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12 Days of Christmas Cash!
Saturday, Dec. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 26. Enter for a chance to pick an ornament off the Christmas Tree to win up to $100 cash. Draws will be made during the afternoon and evening plus complimentary snacks will be served.
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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
Daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and
9 p.m. to close.
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
Appetizer Specials
- Sweet Potato Fries - $8.95
- Chicken Fingers - $8.95
- Cheese Nachos - $8.95
- Pot Stickers - $8.95
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Spirit Hour
Nightly from 11 p.m. to Midnight
- House Vodka - $4
- Rye - $4
- Gin - $4
- Rum - $4
- Spiced Rum - $4
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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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Christmas Buffet - Sunday, Dec. 22
SOLD OUT
Let us do all the work for you! Indulge in a mouthwatering array of traditional Christmas favourites including roast turkey with gravy, baked ham & more. See full menu here.
Adults: $39.95, Seniors (65+): $35.95, Youth (6 to 12): $29.95, Kids (5 & under): $16.95. Prices are subject to applicable taxes.
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NYE Dinner & Dance - Tuesday, Dec. 31
Ring in 2025 in style at our New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance! Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring our renowned Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet, followed by dancing until 1 a.m. See details and full menu here.
Tickets may be purchased from the General Office at Assiniboia Downs during regular office hours (Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) - OR - call 204-885-3330 to order your tickets by phone.
This event sells out every year so get your tickets now!
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Handicapping: Fun With Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI Test #5. $100,000 La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday.
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Horse handicapping with AI. | |
Well, the AI had all three horses last week in the Cigar Mile, but in the wrong order. Close but no...Cigar! We got our money back with a win-place bet on Mullikin, who finished second to Locked, and we also got the triactor, but we really wanted Mullikin to win, and we couldn’t tell which way Locked was going to go on the class raise.
This week we asked the AI to tackle the La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday, and we’re hoping it’s right about heavy morning-line favourite Fashionably Fab being vulnerable.
LA PREVOYANTE STAKES Analysis
Race 9, Woodbine, Saturday, December 14, 2024
1 1/16 Miles (Tapeta) | Purse: $100,000 | Ontario-sired F&M
Top Selections:
1. WAR PAINTER
2. HURRICANE CLAIR
3. FASHIONABLY FAB
Longshot: TITO'S CALLING
Saturday's La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine features several intriguing angles that could lead to an upset of morning line favourite Fashionably Fab. While the defending champion has been facing better company in graded stakes, there are signs she may be vulnerable after a taxing campaign.
War Painter appears to be peaking at the perfect time, having shown an impressive turn of foot to capture the restricted Ashbridges Bay at Woodbine in her most recent start going today’s distance despite racing wide throughout. Her ability to accelerate late between horses demonstrates newfound maturity, and the Kevin Attard trainee matches up solidly with these on figures, having posted an 80 Beyer at the distance.
Hurricane Clair lost nothing in defeat when second by a neck to War Painter in the Ashbridges Bay. Under a patient ride from the inside, she made a strong move between rivals and just missed. Former Winnipeg training star conditioner Martin Drexler has her in peak form, and leading Woodbine rider Sahin Civaci knows how to win with her. Her tactical speed and 81 career-best Beyer make her a serious threat.
Fashionably Fab may have tipped her hoof in the Maple Leaf (G3) when she made a premature move on the turn and tired late in the stretch against better than she meets here. While the cut back to 1 1/16-miles should help, and she's dominated several of these rivals in the past, there are signs the campaign may be catching up with her. She's still the one to beat on class and figures but looks like she might be vulnerable at a short price. And she could even steal this race with a perfect slow-down trip on the lead, but…
Tito's Calling offers value potential as a deep closer who should benefit if the pace develops honestly. She was third in this race last year with an 80 Beyer and finished well in the Eternal Search on the turf two starts back. She'll need some pace to run at but could complete the exotics at a price if she can find her best synthetic form.
Talk to Ya Later ran creditably last out when second in an allowance at the distance, though she couldn't seal the deal in the stretch as the winner got the jump on her early. Her mid-pack running style and proven ability over the track make her a logical use underneath in the lower rungs of your superfectas. Fortyfiveseventy showed late interest when second in her latest but may be a cut below the top contenders.
The race features a questionable pace scenario with several tactical types looking to establish position. If favourite Fashionable Fab doesn't send to the lead early, the race could set up well for both War Painter and Hurricane Clair to get first run on the closers. With Fashionably Fab potentially vulnerable after a taxing campaign, the value lies with these improving fillies who appear to be peaking at the right time.
Let's cash some tickets!
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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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It was Winnipeg Goldeyes Day on July 22 at ASD, and everyone wanted a pat and a picture! Horses will do that to you. (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 15
Steelers over Eagles (Sunday afternoon): So, if it weren't for a dropped pass in the end zone by Xavier Legette, the Eagles would more than likely have lost to the Panthers last week. That game was much closer than it should have been for a team with the second-best record in the NFC. Now, there are rumblings that Jalen Hurts is not getting along with his main receiver, A.J. Brown. Whatever beef the two of them have needs to be squashed immediately because the red-hot Pittsburgh Steelers are coming to town. It took awhile for them to get rolling, but eventually, Pittsburgh put the boots to the Browns last week. After Buffalo’s loss to the Rams, the Steelers are technically tied with the Bills for second in the AFC. With Buffalo having a date with the Lions this week, the standings could easily be flipped. That said, the Steelers still have to beat the Eagles first.
Bills over Lions (Sunday afternoon): Despite a herculean effort by MVP candidate Josh Allen, who accounted for SIX total touchdowns on the ground and through the air, the Bills suffered their fourth loss of the season to the Rams. At one point, it looked like it was going to be a blowout, but Allen put the team on his shoulders and rallied them back to make it a two-point game. It’s quite remarkable how Allen is doing this without the most talented team around him. He’ll probably need another performance like that against the Lions, who squeaked out a win last week against the Packers. Love him or hate him, Dan Campbell is certainly a coach who isn’t afraid to go for it on 4th down, no matter the circumstances. A few so-called "experts" this week questioned why Campbell would gamble so often, and the simple answer is, it’s just what he does—he believes in his team. They’re 13-1, so who can really argue with his tactics, even if "analytics" don’t always agree with him?
Jags over Jets (Sunday noon): In a battle of two teams that are complete dumpster fires, Aaron Rodgers and the hopeless Jets travel to Florida to take on Mac Jones and the even MORE hopeless Jacksonville Jaguars. I'm guessing being 3-10 and eliminated from playoff contention was not what Aaron Rodgers envisioned for himself, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. To his credit, he did play well against the Dolphins last week, even though they lost in overtime. I thought after Trevor Lawrence was ruled out for the rest of the season, backup QB Mac Jones might take the opportunity to prove that his struggles in New England were due to a bad team. Turns out it’s not just the team he was on that was bad—he himself is also quite bad.
Last week 2-1
Season overall 27-15
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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? Watch and wager at HPIbet.com or one of our off-track betting locations listed below.
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Can't make it to the track to wager?
Vist one of our off-track betting locations:
Be sure to stop by the Canad Inns Windsor Park, Green Brier Inn and Quest Inn every Saturday afternoon. A draw will be held at each location for $25 in wagering vouchers!
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Carryover Watch
- Gulfstream Park (Dec. 13) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $249,121
Click here for more carryovers.
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Player Rewards & Cash Back Program
Earn Points: Earn points for all your wagering when you swipe your HPI card or wager on HPIbet.com. Click here for more information.
Earn Cash Bonuses: Betting bonus cash is earned at four different wagering levels in addition to regular HPIbet rewards points earned. Bonus calculations are available on payouts of $2.20 and above. Maximum weekly bonus deposit $1,000. Click here for more information.
12 Days of Christmas Bonus: Earn 2% cash back when you wager $1,000 or more from December 12 through Decemer 23. Maximum cash back $100. $2.10 payouts not included. Wagers must be placed on your HPI account. Opt-in at HPIbet.com.
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Handicapping Tournaments
Player's Choice Tournaments
- Player’s Choice – Saturday, December 28
$1,750 up for grabs! 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. Click here to see a list of the 2024 tournament winners.
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"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group | |
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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 featured tracks will be Tampa and Woodbine. Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information please email Larry.
Group play will take place as follows:
- Saturday, Dec. 14
- Saturday, Dec. 21
- Thursday, Dec. 26
- Saturday, Dec. 28
- No group play during the month of January.
- Group play will resume on Saturday, Feb. 7
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A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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50 Years Ago: Forever Maxwell, who was winning races for Tommy Dodds, is seen here on June 12, 1974. Forever Maxwell was a part of Downs history five years earlier. On June 26, 1969 he was doing his running for Max Freed and was one of Max’s four winners that day. All four horses were bred and owned by Freed, sired by stallion Joe Wilson, trained by Carl Anderson, and ridden by Dick Armstrong – a record quartet!
In time, Forever Maxwell would find his way to the Bennett ranch in Saskatchewan. The Bennetts raised warmbloods and Maxwell was their foundation stallion. Tannis Bennett (nee MacLeod) comes with deep roots to our local equine history. Her mom was Peggy MacLeod (nee Swallow) who trained horses at Polo Park and Assiniboia Downs in the early years. Ms. MacLeod was the first woman to be granted a trainer’s licence in the west and the second in all of Canada – but we’ll learn more about her in my blog stories next summer (Gerry Hart photo).
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Canadian stars Patches O'Houlihan and Dresden Row entered in Saturday stakes
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Ryan Munger guides Dresden Row to victory in the $135,000 Ontario Derby (G3) for owner True North Stables and Bloom Racing Stable, and trainer Lorne Richards. (Woodbine/ Michael Burns Photo) | |
Canada’s star sprinter Patches O'Houlihan will be on the road for the first time in his career in the $250,000 Holiday Cheer Turfway Park Synthetic Championship on Saturday in Florence, Kentucky. And Ontario Derby winner Dresden Row drew post six in the $250,000 Prairie Boy. Go Canada! More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
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Saturday card features Great White Way, Fifth Avenue stakes for 2-year-olds
| Sacrosanct wins the Sleepy Hollow Stakes at Aqueduct. (Coglianese Photos / Chelsea Durand) | A major selling point for breeding in New York will be on display at Aqueduct Racetrack this Saturday. Basically, there will be a million reasons. A pair of New York Stallion Series stakes for 2-year-olds will be contested at the Big A with each of them carrying a hefty purse of $500,000. Both the Great White Way Division Stakes and the Fifth Avenue Division Stakes for fillies will be contested at seven furlongs with rich payouts in both cases. More from the Blood Horse here. | |
Hall of Fame trainer will be seeking his ninth Futurity win in the last 11 years
| Gaming is the 2/5 morning-line favourite in Saturday's Los Alamitos Futurity (Benoit photo) | Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has entered the trio of Gaming, Getaway Car and Mellencamp in the $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) on Saturday, seeking to win the race for the ninth time in the past 11 years. Gaming has been listed as the 2/5 morning-line favourite in the 1 1/16-mile test, which offers 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, but strange things often happen in 5-horse fields. More from the Paulick Report here. | |
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
From August 5, 2022: Secret Weapons and Other 50-Year-Old Memories of Nice Dancer
This year’s Manitoba Derby might be done, but Bob can't say good-bye to Derby stories without revisiting the 1972 edition of the race. Who remembers the victor that year? Hint: He was the son of a Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Queen’s Plate winner. Click here to learn more about the Manitoba Derby memory that turned 50 this year.
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Upcoming Events at ASD
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Every Friday Night in December - Enter for a chance to spin the lucky Cash Wheel starting at 6 p.m. A draw for $200 cash will also take place - more info
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Every Saturday Night in December - Enter for a chance to spin the lucky Cash Wheel starting at 6 p.m. A draw for $200 cash will also take place - more info
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Every Sunday Night in December - Enter for a chance to spin the lucky Cash Wheel starting at 6 p.m. A draw for $200 cash will also take place - more info
- Saturday, Dec. 14 to Thursday, Dec. 26 - 12 Days of Christmas Cash - more info
- Christmas Buffet - Sunday, Dec. 22 - SOLD OUT
- Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, Dec. 28 - more info
- Together Again - Saturday, Dec. 28 - more info
- New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance - Tuesday, Dec. 31 - more info
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Feedback & Inside Track Archives | |
We would love to hear from you! Email your comments and/or suggestions to theinsidetrack@ASDowns.com.
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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