The Inside Track | Issue #86 | June 30, 2023 |
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Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- VLTs, Race Carrels and Tables are sanitized between customer use.
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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
- Duncan, Diodoro, Win Early Season Stakes
- Canada Day Fireworks & Festival
- Eddie O Wins Big at Hawthorne
- RCMP Musical Ride
- Snapshot in Time - Bocage
- 96-year-old Wins at 25-1
- Carryover Watch
- Dark Horse Bets Download
- Bob's Blog -- Starting Gate Follies
- Upcoming Events
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Live Racing this Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. |
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- Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $265,969 (last five races)
- $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.
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Download the Dark Horse Betting App, open a new account and get $30 in free wagers.
- Free admission and free parking daily.
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Can't make it to the track? Watch and wager at HPIbet.com.
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See full ASD schedule here.
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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.
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Chase the Ace at Assiniboia Downs |
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Week #7 Tickets on Sale Now!
Tickets for Chase the Ace Week #7 are on sale now with a $5,000 Guaranteed Accumulator Jackpot if someone picks the Ace of Diamonds!
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Tickets are available online at ASDowns-CTA.com, Guest Services or at the VLT cashier’s cage.
- 1 ticket for $5, 3 tickets for $10, 10 tickets for $20, 50 tickets for $50, 200 tickets for $100.
- The weekly draw will be made Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through until 8:45 p.m. the following Wednesday.
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Full contest rules click here.
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Proceeds support community charities including Final Furlong, Winners Foundation, Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, Indigenous Languages of Manitoba and Manitoba Lung Association.
- By purchasing a ticket, you are helping these charities make a positive difference in the community. Thank you for supporting the Chase the Ace Ticket Program.
- The week 6 winner was Trevor P., who purchased his ticket online. Trevor won $92 with ticket F-9392557. He selected card #4 which was the ten of hearts.
Manitoba Jockey Club - LGCA-5630-RF-39799
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2023 Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournaments
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 10
- 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 $5.
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Club West Gaming Lounge
140 VLTs available daily in our spacious Club West Gaming Lounge from 10 a.m. through 1 a.m. Please note that our VLTs are sanitized between play. Click here for a full list of games available at ASD.
Win CA$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.
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Dining at Assiniboia Downs |
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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.
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Club West Dining Room & Lounge menu
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Daily Happy Hour specials
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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.
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Live Racing Buffets
Book your table for our Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet! 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.
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson |
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Duncan, Diodoro, Win Early Season Stakes
Carreno gains on Whitehall, Gourneau surges to lead
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Chicago's Gray wins the $50,000 Golden Boy Stakes for trainer Murray Duncan and ownership partners Roll The Dice Stable, Royce Finley and Arnason Farms. Jorge Carreno up. (Jason Halstead photo) |
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Trainer Murray Duncan was only a head away from winning three $50,000 stakes in a row this week, jockey Jorge Carreno gained some big ground on Antonio Whitehall with four wins, and trainer Jerry Gourneau rolled to the top of the trainer standings with a four-bagger of his own in a week that also included the largest handle of the meeting on Wednesday.
On-track crowds continued to fill the benches in front of the grandstand and were treated to three dramatically entertaining stakes bolstered by two nightly million-dollar-plus handles on Monday and Tuesday, and $1,466,812 in wagering on Wednesday.
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82-year-old trainer Murray Duncan was only a head away from winning all three stakes this week. (Jason Halstead photo) |
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Former Oaklawn Park claimer Chicago’s Gray ($6.20) zoomed to the front under jockey Jorge Carreno in the 47th running of the $50,000 Golden Boy Stakes on Monday, and increased his margin all the way to the wire for trainer Murray Duncan and ownership partners Roll The Dice Stable, Royce Finley and Arnason Farms. He also left heavily favoured Alberta shipper and 2022 Winnipeg Futurity winner Cuban Cobra in his wake.
It was the third win in a row for the 3-year-old son of Tapwrit, who has rewarded his owners with over $57,000 in purses since arriving at Assiniboia Downs this spring. The question now is whether he’ll stretch out for the longer races, but Steve Holborn, one of the partners in Roll The Dice Stable, indicated he’s got the Dosage numbers to do so.
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Burrow Down and jockey Stanley Chadee Jr. celebrate their victory in the $50,000 La Verendrye Stakes on Tuesday for trainer Murray Duncan and owner Gerald Babchishin. (Jason Halstead photo) |
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Duncan was in the winner’s circle again on Tuesday night with 4-year-old filly Burrow Down ($18.70), who parlayed a dream duel-stalking inside trip under jockey Stanley Chadee Jr. into a 3/4-length victory in the 39th running of the $50,000 La Verendrye Stakes for owner Gerald Babchishin.
Burrow Down was a perfect 3-for-3 at Assiniboia Downs last year with wins in the Chantilly, Jack Hardy and Manitoba Oaks, but had lost four times at three different tracks since leaving Manitoba and was sent off at huge overlay odds in her first local start this year. Her trip got her home.
Heavily favoured Alberta shipper Alberta Sun dueled outside Damn the Torpedoes, while Burrow Down and Cool Excellence Overnight Stakes winner Melisandre stalked the duelers, with Melisandre outside the winner. When the speedballs tired, Burrow Down slipped through on the inside and Melisandre came barreling down the outside. At the wire it was Burrow Down by ¾-lengths over a rival who ran too good to lose.
More good battles coming between these two classy gals.
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Burrow Down and jockey Stanley Chadee Jr. share a moment after winning the La Verendrye Stakes. (George Williams photo) |
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On Wednesday night Duncan tried to make it three $50,000 stakes in a row when he saddled Big Nick in the 63rd running of the Free Press Stakes, but four-time Manitoba Derby winning trainer Robertino Diodoro got just what he needed from his classy shipper Tiger Dad ($10.90) under jockey Jorge Carreno.
Once again, the trip was the difference.
Tiger Dad stalked a duel inside early, while Big Nick stalked the duel outside. They moved 3- and 4-wide respectively on the turn, and at the wire it was Tiger Dad by a head over Big Nick, with Magic Tiger another head back in third after flying between horses in early stretch and rallying inside.
Owned by Rosette Ranch, Tiger Dad was also an overlay in hindsight, having finished second in the $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup going six furlongs at Turf Paradise on March 11, and most recently fourth in the $50,000 Ed Skinner Stakes at Prairie Meadows sprinting against very tough rivals. Also in his corner was top trainer Robertino Diodoro, who is currently sixth best among trainers in North America with 104 wins.
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Tiger Dad holds off Big Nick (outside) and Magic Tiger (inside) to win the $50,000 Free Press Stakes on Wednesday for trainer Robertino Diodoro and owner Rosette Ranch. Jorge Carreno up. (Jason Halstead photo) |
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Jorge Carreno won two of the stakes and led all jockeys with five wins on the week, while newcomer Damario Bynoe was next with four wins and Prayven Badrie had a hat trick. Carreno now has 15 wins, which puts him five back of leader Antonio Whitehall, who has 20 victories.
On the trainer side, Jerry Gourneau won four races to surge to the lead in the standings with 14 victories, three more than runner up Tom Gardipy, Jr. who has 11 wins. We could be in for some great battles this year, not only in the rider and trainer standings, but also on the track.
And the fans are loving it.
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This Saturday, July 1 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Live musical entertainment
- Beer gardens
- 100+ artisans and vendors
- 15+ food trucks
- Kid's entertainment
- A spectacular fireworks display by CanFire Pyrotechnics
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Tickets $10 (5 & under free). Tickets available at the door or at Showpass.
- Event parking $5
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As Seen On Twitter
Former Winnipeg Jet Eddie Olczyk wins big at Hawthorne
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As seen on Twitter @AssiniboiaDowns. Former Winnipeg Jet, NHL hockey analyst and handicapper Eddie Olczyk wins $52,921 at Hawthorne! Well done Eddie O! Congratulations!
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RCMP Musical Ride
Tickets on sale now!
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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 starts at 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.
- 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 starts at 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.
- 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!!
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July HPI Cash Back Specials
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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.
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SARATOGA OPENING DAY SPECIAL: Earn 5% cash back on all eligible wagers on Saratoga, Thursday, July 13. ($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.
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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.
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- Assiniboia Downs (July 3) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $265,969
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Gulfstream Park (June 30) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $149,054. Mandatory payout of Jackpot Pick 6, late Pick 5 and Super Hi-5 on Friday, June 30.
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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 playing Assiniboia Downs on Wednesdays. $20 per share. Email Larry at [email protected] for more information.
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A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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On August 29th, the featured Overnight Stakes will pay tribute to Bocage, the winner of the first Derby ever to be run at Assiniboia Downs. Bocage was purchased by Downs’ founder Jack Hardy in a private sale 10 days prior to his 1960 Derby victory. The bread-and-butter horse of Hardy’s JY Stable, Bocage's other stakes wins included the 1961 Speers Memorial and the 1962 Manitoban Handicap. The son of 1948 Canadian Derby winner Victory Gift was trained by George Howell and was ridden to victory in the Derby by Guy Contrada. (Assiniboia Downs Archive) |
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Robert McKenzie sends out 10-year-old mare Entitled Star to score at 25-to-1
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Robert "Red" McKenzie in the winner's circle on June 23 at Century Mile. The 96-year-old sent out his 10-year-old mare Entitled Star to victory. (Century Mile photo). |
Alberta horseman Robert "Red" McKenzie may have set a Canadian record last Friday at Century Mile racetrack in Nisku when he saddled Entitled Star to an upset victory in the evening’s second race. McKenzie is 96 years old and could be the oldest trainer to win a race in this country and second oldest to saddle a winner in North America behind Jerry Bozzo, who won a race at age 97 in 2018. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
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Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
The life of the racing official responsible for starting thoroughbred horse races is not an easy one. There was one day at Polo Park racetrack when anything that could go wrong -- did go wrong -- and in a big way. Click here to learn more about the day the circus came to Polo Park.
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Upcoming events at ASD
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Spin to Win in the Club West Gaming Lounge - Monday to Friday - more info
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Lucky Spins - Draws for $20 free VLT Spins - Friday to Sunday - more info
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ASD Live Racing Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. - more info
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Canada Day Fireworks & Festival - Saturday, July 1 - more info
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Countdown to the Manitoba Derby HPI promo - more info
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Free Family Fun Nights every Monday in July & August - more info
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Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, July 23 - more info
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RCMP Musical Ride - Friday, July 28 - more info
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RCMP Musical Ride - Saturday, July 29 - more info
- Manitoba Derby Night - Monday, August 7
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We would love to hear from you! Email your comments and/or suggestions to [email protected].
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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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