ASSINIBOIA DOWNS
The Inside Track | Issue #89 | July 21, 2023
  • Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • VLTs, Race Carrels and Tables are sanitized between customer use.
In this edition . . .
  • What's happening at the Downs?
  • Live Racing Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
  • ASD Player Portal
  • Chase the Ace at ASD
  • Las Vegas Challenge Tournament
  • Dining at ASD
  • Chef's Specials
  • Anderson Wins Big, Burrow Down Romps
  • Manitoba Night Market & Festival
  • RCMP Musical Ride
  • Snapshot in Time - Zaca Spirit
  • Arabian Knight, Mage Return in Haskell
  • Carryover Watch
  • Dark Horse Bets Download
  • Bob's Blog - 1973 Manitoba Derby
  • Upcoming Events
Do the Downs!
Live Racing this Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
  • Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $453,380 (last five races). Mandatory payout on Monday, August 7 (if not won prior to.)
  • $50,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 (last four races)
  • New to the races? Be sure to stop by and see Brad and Shannon. They will answer all your questions about racing and wagering.
  • Download the Dark Horse Betting App, open a new account and get $30 in free wagers.
  • Free Family Fun activities every Monday through Sept. 4. Bouncy Castles, face painting, live entertainment. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Free admission and free parking daily.
  • Can't make it to the track? Watch and wager at HPIbet.com.
  • See full ASD schedule here.
ASD Player Portal
Get all the information on Assiniboia Downs racing in one convenient place! The ASD Player Portal features the following FREE information:

  • Link to watch ASD Live Racing on our YouTube channel
  • ASD Live with Kirt & Stretch
  • Free ASD programs
  • ASD expert picks
  • Horse Racing Nation power picks
  • Charting Horse Value charts
  • Trust The Prophets Monday handicapping live stream
  • Brisnet premium pps
  • Jockey bios
  • Photo finish photos

All of the above information is free of charge and available on the ASD Player Portal.
Week #10 Tickets on Sale Now!

Tickets for Chase the Ace Week #10 are on sale now with a $5,000 Guaranteed Accumulator Jackpot if someone picks the Ace of Diamonds!


Manitoba Jockey Club - LGCA-5630-RF-39799
2023 Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournaments

  • Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 31
  • Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, August 21
  • Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, September 18

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 [email protected] 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. 

LAS VEGAS CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT WINNERS:
  • Monday, June 19 - Ron Zurba
  • Monday, July 10 - Murray Chaban
Club West Gaming Lounge

140 VLTs available daily in our spacious Club West Gaming Lounge from 10 a.m. through 1 a.m. Please note that our VLTs are sanitized between play. Click here for a full list of games available at ASD.

Win CA$H Every Day!

  • Draws to win up to $100 cash on our lucky wheel Monday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m.

  • Draws for $20 FREE VLT Spins Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Dining at Assiniboia Downs
Club West Dining Room & Lounge Open Daily

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks plus Happy Hour food and beverage specials in our Club West Dining Room & Lounge! Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

  • Club West Dining Room & Lounge menu
  • Daily Happy Hour specials
Chef's Weekend Specials
Friday Steak & Suds $24.95: 8 oz. Sirloin steak 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.

Saturday Prime & Wine $29.95: Certified Angus Prime Rib (8 oz. cut.) 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.

Sunday Fish & Chips $14.95: Two pieces of beer battered cod with tartar sauce and lemon. Served with french fries and coleslaw.

Add a starter Caesar salad, tossed salad or soup of the day to any of the above specials for $3.95. Served from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are not required.
Live Racing Buffets

Race night buffets are filling up fast for the remainder of the race season so book your table for our Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet today! It's available every race night in the Terrace Dining Room.

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 racing programs and tip sheets.

Adults - $49.95, Seniors (65+) - $46.95, Kids 12 & under - $29.95, Kids 5 & under - $16.95

Reservations are required. Call 204-885-3330. Click here for our 2023 racing schedule.
At The Post with G.S. Thompson
Anderson Wins Big, Burrow Down Romps
Wendy Anderson scores stakes double, Burrow Down remains undefeated at ASD
Beautiful smiles from trainer Wendy Anderson and horse owner Bill Meikle after winning the Derby Trial on Monday night with Saxon Saga. Anderson and Meikle also won the R.J. Speers Stakes on Wednesday with Magic Tiger. (Jason Halstead photo)
Fans were treated to some excellent stakes action this week and trainer Wendy Anderson and horse owner Bill Meikle were the big winners on the track, scoring in two of the three stakes races.

The stakes action kicked off Monday night with the 29th running of the $50,000 Derby Trial, which turned out to be a very competitive race despite late scratches. It also produced the biggest stakes upset of the meeting when Saxon Saga and Renaldo Cumberbatch outdueled heavily favoured Chicago’s Gray and Jorge Carreno to the top of the stretch, and then drew out to win by two lengths.
Saxon Saga wins the 29th running of the $50,000 Derby Trail on Monday night for trainer Wendy Anderson and owners Bill Meikle and Wind Dancer. Renaldo Cumberbatch up. (Jason Halstead photo)
Chicago’s Gray was expected to clear to the lead in the one-mile Derby Trial, but he ended up dueling six-wide into the first turn and was up against it from that point on. He eventually tired at the top of the stretch and faded to fourth as Green Amazon and Rough Customer rallied for second and third behind Saxon Saga.

Trained by Wendy Anderson for owners Bill Meikle and Wind Dancer, and groomed by Bud Smith, Saxon Saga is now likely headed to the $125,000 Manitoba Derby presented by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries on Monday August 7.
Burrow Down wins the 46th running of the $50,000 Canada Stakes Tuesday night for trainer Murray Duncan and owner Gerald Babchishin. Stanley Chadee Jr. up. (Jason Halstead photo)
On Tuesday night the mighty Burrow Down clearly showed why she’s undefeated at Assiniboia Downs in the 46th running of the $50,000 Canada Stakes. The result was never in doubt.

Burrow Down relaxed in a stalking position outside, made a good move into the final turn and easily went by speed horse Damn the Torpedoes in mid turn. The 4-year-old filly opened up into the stretch and coasted to a 1 ¼-length victory under jockey Stanley Chadee Jr., but it could have been much more. Big Stretch rallied under Chavion Chow for second, 6 ¼-lengths in front of Melisandre, who had a nice trip inside under Antonio Whitehall, but lacked a late rally.
Jockey Stanley Chadee Jr. gives groom Christopher Gaskin a high five after winning the Canada Stakes aboard Burrow Down.(Jason Halstead photo)
Trained by Murray Duncan for Gerald Babchishin, Burrow Down is now a perfect 5-for-5 at Assiniboia Downs, with all her victories coming in stakes including the Chantilly, Jack Hardy and Manitoba Oaks as a 3-year-old and the La Verendrye and Canada Stakes at four.

Another in the parade of Duncan’s claimer-turned-stakes-winner projects, Burrow Down was claimed for $30,000 on May 8, 2022, at Oaklawn Park. She has now earned $181,841 from a record of 5-4-2 in 18 starts.
Magic Tiger wins the 64th running of the $50,000 R. J. Speers Memorial Wednesday evening for trainer Wendy Anderson and owners Bill Meikle and Wind Dancer. Damario Bynoe up. (Jason Halstead photo)
On Wednesday evening the best of the older horses battled in the 64th running of the $50,000 R.J. Speers Memorial and trainer Wendy Anderson was back in the winner’s circle for her second stakes win of the week with Magic Tiger, a former $6,250 claimer from Golden Gate.

Ridden by Damario Bynoe, Magic Tiger took advantage of a dream trip inside, stalked more than one duel in the race and rallied up a wide-open rail to take over at the sixteenth pole as Tiger Dad and Big Nick dueled each other into submission. At the wire it was Magic Tiger by a length over Tiger Dad, with Big Nick a head back in third.
Magic Tiger returns with jockey Damario Bynoe after his victory in the R.J. Speers Memorial. (Jason Halstead photo)
With all of leading trainer Jerry Gourneau’s horses scratched over the three racing days due to a suspension for a minor medication violation, trainer Shelley Brown filled the gap nicely with four wins, followed by Jared Brown and Wendy Anderson with three wins apiece. 

Hot new five-pound apprentice Fraser Aebly was up for one of Anderson’s wins, and won three more to lead all jockeys. Expect Aebly to be riding the card in short order. Leading rider Antonio Whitehall won a pair of races and continues to lead all riders with 28 wins, six more than Jorge Carreno (22), who also won two races, followed by Damario Bynoe (20), Prayven Badrie (15), and Ronald Ali.

Despite his enforced break, trainer Jerry Gourneau continues to lead the standings with 21 wins, four more than Jared Brown (17), followed by Wendy Anderson (15), Shelley Brown (14), and Tom Gardipy, Jr. (14). Expect Gourneau to flood the entry box next week.

With winners.
Magic Tiger in the winner's circle after his victory in the R. J. Speers Memorial. (Jason Halstead photo)
  • This Sunday, July 23 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • 15+ food trucks
  • 100+ local artisans and vendors
  • Tattoo pop-up
  • Live entertainment
  • Kid's activities from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tickets are $7 (5 & under free). Available at Showpass or at the door.
  • Event parking $5
RCMP Musical Ride
Tickets on sale now!
The 150th Anniversary Tour

The spectacular RCMP Musical Ride will arrive in Winnipeg July 28th and July 29th to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Two performances will take place at Assiniboia Downs. The first one on Friday, July 28th and the second one on Saturday July 29th.

The RCMP Musical Ride is a symbol of tradition, honour, and pride. The Musical Ride is a Canadian icon recognized at home and abroad. The troop of up to 32 riders, who are all police officers, and their horses perform intricate formations and drills set to music, lasting about 30 minutes. These movements demand the utmost control, timing, and coordination.

Friday, July 28
  • Musical Ride showtime is 7:00 p.m.
  • Meet and Greet to follow show
  • Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
  • All seating is rush seating.
  • Food and beverage service is available
  • $5 Super Specials: $5 Hot Dogs, $5 Popcorn & $5 Domestic Beer (available at main floor and 3rd floor concession stands.)
  • Tickets $15 (including taxes & fees). Kids 5 & under free.
  • Tickets are available online using the link below or in person at Assiniboia Downs (VLT cage, General Office & Guest Services during live racing).
  • Get your tickets today!!

Saturday, July 29
  • Musical Ride showtime is 1:30 p.m.
  • Meet and Greet to follow show
  • Doors open at 12:00 noon
  • All seating is rush seating.
  • Food and beverage service is available.
  • $5 Super Specials: $5 Hot Dogs, $5 Popcorn & $5 Domestic Beer (available at main floor and 3rd floor concession stands.)
  • Tickets $15 (including taxes & fees). Kids 5 & under free.
  • Tickets are available online using the link below or in person at Assiniboia Downs (VLT cage, General Office & Guest Services during live racing).
  • Get your tickets today!!
July HPI Cash Back Specials

  • COUNTDOWN TO THE MANITOBA DERBY: Earn one entry for every $50 you wager on Assiniboia Downs during the month of July. Five draws will be made for a $500 wager on the Manitoba Derby, an invitation to the Manitoba Derby Media Conference and a buffet for two in the Terrace Dining Room on Manitoba Derby Night. Opt-in at HPIbet.com. All wagers must be placed on your HPI account.
  • DEL MAR OPENING DAY SPECIAL: Earn 4% cash back on all eligible wagers on Del Mar, Friday, July 21. ($2.10 payouts are not eligible). Minimum $100 wagered. Maximum payout $25. Opt-in at HPIbet.com. All wagers must be placed on your HPI account.
The 75th Running of the Manitoba Derby
Presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
Monday, August 7
Racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
  • $125,000 Manitoba Derby for 3-year olds presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
  • 1st Leg of the $550,000 Western Canadian Triple Crown
  • $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile for 3-year-olds & upward
  • $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes for Fillies & Mares, 3-year-olds & upward
  • $100,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 (last four races)
  • Mandatory payout of the ASD Jackpot Pick 5 (if not won prior to)
  • Derby Sweepstakes. Win a $100 win wager on a Derby horse!
  • Family Fun! Bouncy castles, face painting & kids entertainment from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Special Derby history display by Track Historian Bob Gates
  • Free admission & free parking
Carryover Watch
  • Assiniboia Downs (July 24) - ASD Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $453,380
  • Parx (July 24) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $349,017
  • Hawthorne (July 21) - Jackpot Super Hi-5 carryover $154,567
  • Gulfstream (July 21) Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $139,190

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 playing Assiniboia Downs every Wednesday. $20 per share. Email Larry at [email protected] for more information.
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
A half-century ago on July 15, 1973, Bo-Teek Farm’s Zaca Spirit won the 25th running of the Manitoba Derby. The dark bay multiple stakes-winning colt was a bit of a surprise victor on Derby Day. The race favourite was Impressive Lady and close behind her was Jack Stafford’s strong entry of Queen’s Plate winner Royal Chocolate and Tara Road. Royal Chocolate finished a well-meant second in our Derby, but would have benefited greatly from an off-track. Zaca Spirit, with Richard Grubb in the saddle, paid a handsome $15.20, $5.60, $3.30 across the board. (Gerry Hart Photo)
In The News
Kentucky Derby winner faces seven rivals in Saturday's Grade 1 test for 3-year-olds
Kentucky Derby winner Mage walks the shedrow at Monmouth Park. (Anika Miskar photo)
The process of separating the cream from the milk will resume in earnest this Saturday when the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park initiates a stretch of three major Grade 1 tests for 3-year-olds in a two-month span, with the potential to wrap up the Eclipse Award for the outstanding 3-year-old male. More from the Blood Horse here.
Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
The countdown to the 75th Running of the Manitoba Derby is now down to just a pinch more than two weeks. This week history blogger Bob takes us back to July 15, 1973 for memories of the 25th Running of the Manitoba Derby. Without peeking, who won the Derby that year? Find out here.
Upcoming events at ASD
  • Spin to Win in the Club West Gaming Lounge - Monday to Friday - more info
  • Lucky Spins - Draws for $20 free VLT Spins - Friday to Sunday - more info
  • ASD Live Racing Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. - more info
  • Countdown to the Manitoba Derby HPI promo - more info
  • Free Family Fun Nights every Monday in July & August - more info
  • Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, July 23 - more info
  • RCMP Musical Ride - Friday, July 28 - more info
  • RCMP Musical Ride - Saturday, July 29 - more info
  • Manitoba Derby Night - Monday, August 7 - more info
Feedback
We would love to hear from you! Email your comments and/or suggestions to [email protected].
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.