ASSINIBOIA DOWNS
The Inside Track | Issue #46 | September 23, 2022
  • Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • VLTs, Race Carrels and Tables are sanitized between customer use.
THREE NIGHTS OF LIVE RACING REMAIN!
Still time to enjoy a night of live racing! Three nights of live racing remain as follows:
  • Monday, September 26 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 27 - 7:30 p.m. Mandatory payout of the Jackpot Hi-5*
  • Wednesday, September 28 - 7:30 p.m. Mandatory payout of the Jackpot Pick 5* and mandatory payout of Chase the Ace*
*If not won before this date.
Free admission and parking! Can't make it to the track? Open your free online betting account at HPIbet.com.
In this edition . . .
  • What's happening at the Downs?
  • 3% Cash Back Bonus Continues
  • Chase the Ace Jackpot must be paid out
  • Dining at Assiniboia Downs
  • Gourneau, Carreno set to Repeat
  • Cuban Cobra wins Winnipeg Futurity
  • Gaskin celebrates 100th victory
  • Partner Locations
  • Photo of the Week: A Kiss for 100
  • Modern Games romps in Ricoh Mile
  • The Queen: A Lifetime in Racing
  • 12-year-old wins 100th Start
  • Carryover Watch
  • Mandatory Payout Alerts
  • TravyFootball Week 3 Predictions
  • Snapshot in Time - Frank Barroby
  • Bob: The Old Man on the Bench
  • Upcoming Events - Only 3 Days of Live Racing left
Do the Downs!
SPIN TO WIN THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS IN THE CLUB WEST GAMING LOUNGE - Enter at the VLT cage every Thursday and Friday for a chance to spin the wheel to win up to $100 cash! Draws will be made every 30 minutes starting at noon.
ASD PLAYER PORTAL. ONE EASY CLICK FOR ALL YOUR ASD RACING INFO!
  • Watch ASD live racing
  • Free ASD live programs
  • Free ASD Brisnet pps
  • Expert selections from ASD, Canadian Thoroughbred and Horse Racing Nation
  • Jockey and trainer stats
  • Current carryover information
  • Jockey bios
  • Click here to go to our Player Portal now
3% CASH BACK BONUS FOR HPI CUSTOMERS CONTINUES
  • HPI customers earn 3% cash back when they wager $40 or more on Assiniboia Downs on the following days: Monday, September 26, Tuesday, September 27 and Wednesday, September 28. Wagers must be made on your HPI account. Opt-in at HPIbet.com.
  • Maximum cash back is $100. ($2.10 payouts are not included). See rules at HPIbet.com.
FAN EDUCATION CENTRE - How do I place a bet? What do the odds mean? How do I read the information in the program? If you need answers to the questions above or any other racing questions be sure to stop by the Fan Education Centre on the main floor.

Brad and Matt are happy to assist you every live race night from 6 p.m. until the end of racing. They can also help you open a free HPI online betting account.
THE CHASE THE ACE JACKPOT MUST GO! The Chase the Ace Jackpot, which currently sits at $7,567, must be paid out on Wednesday, Sept. 28 (unless won prior to.) Tickets will be drawn until a jackpot winner is declared. Tickets that are drawn and are not jackpot winners are returned to the draw drum. Tickets are $5 and available at Guest Services from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The draw will be made at 9:30 p.m. Proceeds in support of Final Furlong. Manitoba Jockey Club license LGCA-5630-RF-34975.

Final Furlong is a Manitoba-based charity that helps find good homes for retired racehorses and pony horses. Visit them on Facebook @FinalFurlongCanada.
LAS VEGAS CHALLENGE HANDICAPPING TOURNAMENT GOES THIS MONDAY. Deadline to enter is Saturday, September 24 at 1 p.m.

ENTRY FEE: $50 which you can reduce to zero by predicting three winners on race cards leading up to the tournament. You must have a Manitoba HPI account to participate. Qualifiers as of Tuesday, September 21 click here.

PRIZES: 1st Place: Trip for two to Las Vegas*, 2nd Place: $500, 3rd Place: $250

TOURNAMENT WINNERS: June 27 - Harold Wiens, July 18 - Darcy Penner,
August 8 - Jane Baxter & Peter Colwill (tie), August 29 - Larry Liebrecht.

(*The winner of the tournament will be provided $3,500 to book their trip and accommodations to Las Vegas)
Dining at Assiniboia Downs
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER & SNACKS
The Club West Dining Room is open daily at 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. for breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks. Our menu includes favourites such as chicken wings, pizza, chipotle mozza burger (pictured), steak sandwich or bacon and eggs plus much more! See the full menu here.
RACE NIGHT PRIME RIB BUFFET
Three more chances to enjoy our Prime Rib Buffet! 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 plus much more!

Complimentary programs and tip sheets are included and the table is yours for the evening. Adults - $47.95, Seniors (65+) - $44.95, Kids 12 & under - $27.95, Kids 5 & under - $14.95. Reservations are required. Book yours today by calling 204-885-3330.

RACE NIGHT PLAZA DINING
Looking for a more casual dining experience during racing? Tables on the plaza (with a view of the track) are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Choose from the Clubhouse a la carte Race Night Menu. The table is yours for the entire evening of racing. Minimum charge $20 per person.
FRIDAY STEAK SPECIAL - $24.95 - 8 oz top Sirloin charbroiled and seasoned with our smoky dry rub. Served with vegetables and choice of mashed potatoes or french fries. Served from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

LAST SATURDAY FOR RIB SPECIAL - $24.95 - Saturday, September 24 is your last chance to enjoy smoky charbroiled ribs with our signature BBQ sauce. Served with vegetables and choice of mashed potatoes or french fries. Served from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

PRIME RIB SATURDAY SPECIAL RETURNS OCTOBER 1
Saturday Prime Rib - $29.95 - Our signature Certified Angus Prime Rib (8 oz.) served with vegetables and choice of mashed potatoes or french fries, horseradish and Yorkshire pudding au jus. Served from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Reservations are not required.
THANKSGIVING PLATED TURKEY SPECIAL
Sunday, October 9 from 11:30 a.m to 8 p.m.
  • Roast Turkey Breast and Leg
  • Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
  • Apple and Sage Stuffing
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Carrots, Rutabaga, Peppers and Asparagus in butter
  • $19.95 per person plus taxes
  • Add Pumpkin Pie for $3.95 or Apple Pie for $4.95
  • Reservations are required. Call 204-885-3330
At The Post with G.S. Thompson
Gourneau and Carreno Set for Repeat Titles
Cuban Cobra wins Futurity, Gaskin wins 100, Mandatory Payouts Beckon
Trainer Jerry Gourneau will win his 4th training title in five years on Wednesday. (Jason Halstead photo)
Only three live racing days to go, and there’s a mandatory payout on the Jackpot Hi-5 and the Jackpot Pick 5 on the final two days!

Leading trainer Jerry Gourneau will win his fourth training title in the past five years at Assiniboia Downs when the live race meeting wraps up on Wednesday, and his main owner, Henry S. Witt Jr. will win his sixth leading owner title in a row.

Gourneau has 39 wins heading into the final week, eight more than trainer Jared Brown, and he can’t be caught now. Witt won’t be caught either, with a record of 34-35-44 from 231 starts for purse earnings of $366,162. That puts him almost $200,000 ahead of Ira Donald and Kane Kachur, who are having a stellar year with trainer Jared Brown with a record of 17-7-4 from 36 starts for purse earnings of $166,540.
Jockey Jorge Carreno is surrounded by smiles and laughter after winning the sixth race aboard Henrisincontrol on Tuesday to complete the hat trick. Well done Jorge! (Jason Halstead photo)
Leading jockey Jorge Carreno also can’t be caught. Carreno will win his second straight riding title here, and the fifth of his career, as he takes a 62-43 lead over Renaldo Cumberbatch into the final Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday next week.

Carreno scored yet another hat trick on an eventful Tuesday night that also saw him get thrown from his mount Artisan Dancer when that horse reared at the break in the eighth race. He’s okay though, and now heads south this weekend to ride in two big stakes for top North American trainer Robertino Diodoro.

Carreno rides Offshore Affair for Diodoro in the $200,000 “Downs at Albuquerque” on Saturday and Manitoba Derby winner Red Knobs in the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby (G3) at Remington Park on Sunday, before returning here for next week’s races. Carreno has won these kind of races before for Diodoro at longer odds and both races are worth tuning into on HPIBet.com. We wish them the best of luck!
Cuban Cobra wins the $50,000 Winnipeg Futurity. Enrique Gonzalez up. (Jason Halstead photo)
Cuban Cobra shipped in from Century Mile to win the 93rd running of the $50,000 Winnipeg Futurity on Monday by 2 3/4-lengths over fellow Century Mile shipper Readytotapnsing, while previously undefeated Manitoba-bred Lady Cop finished a no-quit third, 1 ¾-lengths back, after finding trouble and brushing the rail into the turn.

Trained by Tim Rycroft for owner Gonzalo Anderson and ridden by Enrique Gonzales, Cuban Cobra paid $3.30 to win as the favourite, but did have to turn back a good bid from Readytotapnsing in the drive. Lady Cop was in tight inside the top pair heading into the turn and was forced to steady, but to her credit she kept coming in the drive with a good effort, and the Vengeful Wildcat filly should have a bright future at the Downs.
Manitoba-bred Diane's Wish gives trainer Steven Gaskin his 100th career victory in Tuesday's 4th race. Stanley Chadee Jr. up. Congratulations Steven! (Jason Halstead photo)
Congratulations go out to trainer Steven Gaskin, who scored his 100th career victory on Tuesday in the fourth race, which was sponsored by Office Smarts Web Design and Online Marketing. Gaskin won the race with Manitoba-bred 2-year-old-filly Diane’s Wish, ridden by Stanley Chadee, Jr.

The bay filly by Nonios-Esther’s Wish by Stephen Got Even was bred by Larry Falloon and Darin Bouchard and was owned by Falloon and partner Stella Racing, but was claimed out of the race for $9,375 by trainer Mike Nault for A2 Thoroughbreds.

Gaskin and his owner/breeders can take some solace in the fact that with the win purse, claiming money and Manitoba-bred bonuses, the victory was worth over $20,000. Oh, how things have changed for the better in the Manitoba horse racing industry!

Gaskin is now in his seventh year as a trainer and is probably best known for his work with Manitoba-bred champion Why So Blue and 2018 Gold Cup winner Media Melee. His career record now stands at 100-99-138 from 814 starts for purse earnings of $993,795, which means his next winner will put him over the million-dollar mark in purses. The 47-year-old trainer took it all in stride and received a well-deserved kiss from his wife Jessica after the race.

“I’m grateful for all my owners, my grooms through the years, and to the jockeys who won for me and came close,” said Gaskin. “And to my wife, who comes out every single spring to help me out, and in the evenings, even though she has her own job. It’s been a long journey, and it’s only going to get better.”

Nicely done Steven!
Trainer Steven Gaskin in the winner's circle after scoring his 100th career victory with Manitoba-bred Diane's Wish on Tuesday. (Jason Halstead photo)
CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK TO WAGER?
Watch and wager at one of our partner locations:

  • Canad Inns Windsor Park - 1034 Elizabeth Road
  • Green Brier Inn - 1611 Main Street
  • Rookies at Central Hotel - 201 Melrose Avenue East
  • Quest Inn - 367 Ellice Avenue
  • McPhillips Station Casino - 484 McPhillips Street
  • Club Regent Casino - 1425 Regent Ave W
  • Nor-Villa Motor Hotel - 1763 Henderson Hwy
  • Club 3D - 3317 Portage Avenue
  • Wager 24/7 at HPIbet.com
Photo of the Week
Trainer Steven Gaskin gets a kiss from wife Jessica after scoring his 100th career victory on Tuesday in the 4th race with Diane's Wish. Well done Steven! (Jason Halstead photo)
Do you have an interesting photo you would like showcased in an upcoming newsletter? Email us at [email protected].
In The News
 Multiple Grade 1 winner flies to victory to earn another trip to the Breeders' Cup
Ears pricked, Modern Games (Ire) breezed to victory in the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1) for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby. (Michael Burns photo)
When trainer Charlie Appleby brings a horse to Woodbine for a major turf race, it is now a matter of how much the horse will win by rather than if the horse will win. On Saturday, September 17, Appleby trainees Modern Games and Mysterious Night won two of the three Grade 1 races on the beautiful E.P. Taylor turf course, one year after he sent three horses over to win a trio of Grade 1s at Woodbine. More from Jennifer Morrison at the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
John Ingles remembers Queen Elizabeth II's lifelong association with horse racing
The Queen with her 2013 Gold Cup winner Estimate at Ascot. (Sporting Life photo)
The Queen’s lifelong association with horses of all kinds began in her early childhood when she learnt to ride a Shetland pony named Peggy but it was in her twenties when she first became a successful owner – and later, breeder – of thoroughbreds. Read more from Sporting Life here.
Success Rate's connections had long planned to retire him after milestone race
12-year-old Success Rate wins his 100th career start at Arizona Downs on September 12, 2022. He has now been retired from racing, but will be prepared for a new career! (KStorm Photography)
On a day when owners began plotting the careers of million-dollar horses purchased at the start of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the connections of a $3,000, 12-year-old claiming horse celebrated an auspicious conclusion to his career in a lower-level race at Arizona Downs. Success Rate had just won his 100th start. More from the BloodHorse here.
Jockey Stanley Chadee, Jr. shares a smile after winning on Diane's Wish on Tuesday, giving trainer Steven Gaskin his 100th career winner. (Jason Halstead photo)
I Won Bigg is Back
Veteran handicappers Ivan Bigg and Larry Liebrecht will be hosting a special "I Won Bigg" session on Wednesday, September 28 at 6 p.m. on the plaza. They will be putting a group ticket together for the mandatory payout of the ASD Jackpot Pick 5. Everyone is welcome. Can't make it out? Email Larry at [email protected]

Regular Saturday "I Won Bigg" group sessions will start on Saturday, October 1. Woodbine will be the track of choice to start, as well as adding in other tracks on mandatory days.
Carryover Watch
  • Assiniboia Downs (September 26) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $463,545
  • Gulfstream (September 23) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $309,977
  • Parx (September 24) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $102,129

See all carryovers here.

MANDATORY PAYOUT ALERTS:
The ASD Jackpot Pick 5 will be paid out on Wednesday, September 28 (if not won prior to.) Current carryover is $463,545 (as of Tuesday, September 20)

The ASD Jackpot Hi-5 will be paid out Tuesday, September 27 (if not won prior to.) Current carryover is $20,051 (as of Tuesday, September 20)
Top NFL Picks by TravyFootball: Week 3
Niners over Broncos (Sunday night): It was a bittersweet victory for the 49ers last week over the Seahawks. Losing starting QB Trey Lance very early in the game with a broken ankle was heartbreaking to watch.

Injuries happen all the time in football, probably more frequently than in any other sport, but it feels so much worse when it’s a younger player (22). Doctors say Lance will make a full recovery and will be ready for the 2023 season, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. Having said all that, THANK GOODNESS the niners decided to hang on to Jimmy Garoppolo. After the injury to Lance, Jimmy G came in and the 49ers didn’t skip a beat. That's why I always say you must invest in backup QBs. In a worst-case scenario, you can still be somewhat competitive.

The Broncos aren’t off to the start that they had hoped for. Yes, they are 1-1, but they very well could be 0-2. Russell Wilson still doesn’t look comfortable with his receivers, and first year coach Nathaniel Hackett almost looks overwhelmed at times. If they fall to 1-2 after this week, it might be time to panic. 
 
Bucs over Packers (Sunday afternoon): The Packers got back on track last week after a bit of a blip against the Vikings in Week 1. They had a much more balanced offensive strategy (25 passes, 38 rushes) against the Bears and Aaron Rodgers looked like the old Aaron Rodgers we are used to seeing.

The Bucs had quite the game themselves against the Saints once again. Every time those two teams get together it usually results in someone being thrown out of the game. Mike Evans, coming to the aid of his QB, Tom Brady, made the sacrificial choice to run up to Saints DB Marshon Lattimore and shove him to the ground. A brawl ensued, and I never understood why players do this (trying to swing at someone while they have a helmet on). Nonetheless, The Bucs offense wasn’t exactly pretty due to multiple injuries in their receiving core, but their defense was stingy. It really doesn’t matter if the offense plays great or not, as they have only given up 13 points in two weeks, and only one touchdown. The defense is definitely the strong point on this team and it will carry them to most of their victories this season. 
 
Titans over Raiders (Sunday noon): I don’t think too many experts predicted that the combined record of these teams would be 0-4 after two weeks. The Raiders blew a 20-0 lead to the Cardinals in an epic collapse, topped off by an overtime loss. Their big free agent acquisition, Davante Adams had two catches for 12 yards and was probably wishing he was back in Green Bay. And once again, questions are being brought up about Josh McDaniels, regarding whether he is actually head coach material.

The Titans ran into the Juggernaut known as the Buffalo Bills, and really didn’t stand a chance. They kept it close for the first quarter, but slowing down Josh Allen for a whole game is something that nobody seems to be able to do. It got so bad that Titans starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill was benched in favour of rookie quarterback Malik Willis, but not that it mattered at that point. Also, Derek Henry hasn’t regained his 2020 form, when he was the most dominant player in the league. It could be that all those hits are starting to take their toll on him, which would spell doom for the Titans. I’ll give them the edge over the Raiders here, just because they are playing at home.
 
Last week (2-1) 
Overall (3-3)
A Snapshot in Time
By Track Historian Bob Gates
Our penultimate leading rider this week was apprentice Frank Barroby. In 1963 young Frank was on fire, making 78 trips to the winner’s circle during the 42-day ASD meet. Frank only rode here for one year before moving his tack to Alberta, but what a year it was! (Assiniboia Downs historical photo).
Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates

For his final story of the 65th live racing season at ASD, Bob meets up with the old man who sits on the bench in front of the grandstand, who tells him all about the final day of the 1962 live racing season. Click here to see what the old man had to say about August 16, 1962. Be sure to check back here next week, when we once again start “The Best of Bob” and feature some of his and our favourite stories from previous seasons.
Upcoming events at ASD
  • Live Racing - Monday, September 26 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournament - Monday, Sept. 26 - more info
  • Live Racing - Tuesday, September 27 - 7:30 p.m. Mandatory payout of the Jackpot Hi-5 (if not won prior to)
  • Final Night of Live Racing - Wednesday, September 28 - 7:30 p.m. Mandatory payout of the ASD Jackpot Pick 5 (if not won prior to) and mandatory payout of Chase the Ace (if not won prior to)
  • Antique Show - Saturday, October 8 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. - more info
  • Antique Show - Sunday, October 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - more info
  • Thanksgiving Plated Dinner Special - Sunday, October 9 - more info
  • Manitoba Art Expo - Friday, October 21 thru Sunday, October 23 - more info
  • Wpg 19+ Adult Expo & Market - Friday, October 28 & Saturday, October 29 - more info
Feedback
We would love to hear from you! Email your comments and/or suggestions to [email protected].
The Inside Track Archives
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