The Inside Track | Issue #158 | Friday, November 15, 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!
- Free Draws for $200 cash every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 9 p.m.
- 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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Grey Cup 2024
Join us on Sunday, November 17th for the 111th Grey Cup from Vancouver as our Winnipeg Blue Bombers take on the Toronto Argonauts. Kick-off is 5 p.m.
- Happy Hour food and drink specials all day!
- BBQ Rib and Finger Basket $14.95. Starts at 4 p.m.
- Spin to Win draws to win up to $100 cash start at 6 p.m.
- $200 cash draw at 9 p.m.
Go Bombers Go!
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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
- New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance
- Handicapping: Fun With Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Week 11
- Wagering, Betting Bonuses & More
- A Snapshot in Time: Coherence
- Artie's Storm Faces 11 in Autumn Stakes
- Most Expensive Canadian-Bred Auction Purchases
- Romantic Warrior Back in Action in Hong Kong
- Best of Bob: ASD Historic Events
- Upcoming Events
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140 VLTs
Join us today in the Club West Gaming Lounge and discover why we're the ultimate destination for VLT entertainment in the area! Our premier amenities include a spacious area for you to relax and enjoy your gaming experience comfortably, great customer service, licensed lounge and delicious food and beverage specials.
More VLTs = More Jackpots! See our recent Jackpots Wins below:
Nov. 12 - $1,000 (Big Easy)
Nov. 11 - $1,009 (Big City 5's)
Nov. 10 - $1,250 (5 Times)
Nov. 10 - $1,450 (Viracocha)
Nov. 10 - $1,060 (Big City 5's)
Nov. 10 - $1,250 (Keno)
Nov. 10 - $1,116 (Big City 5's)
Nov. 9 - $1,005 (Big City 5's)
Nov. 9 - $1,926 (Wild Life Extreme)
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Cash Draws!
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!
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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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, December 22
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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 below.
- Turkey
- Stuffing, Gravy & Cranberry Sauce
- Sliced Ham in Dijon Cream Sauce
- Perogies
- Sweet & Sour Meatballs
- Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans Almondine
- Greek Vegetable Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Broccoli Mandarin Salad
- Kolbassa & Cheddar Cheese
- Flatbreads, Croissants, Rolls & Butter
- Pumpkin Pie, Cakes, Dainties & Cookies
Adults: $39.95, Seniors (65+): $35.95, Kids (6 to 12): $29.95, Kids (5 & under): $16.95. Prices are subject to applicable taxes.
The Christmas Buffet sells out quickly so make your reservation today! Call 204-885-3330.
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NYE Dinner & Dance
Tuesday, December 31
Join us for an extraordinary evening of dining and dancing as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 in style. Our celebration features an amazing Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. followed by an evening of dancing until 1 a.m.
- Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet
- Late Lunch
- Incredible Door Prizes
- Free Coat Check
- Huge Dance Floor
- Party Favours
- Chance to Win a Share of $2,025
- DJ Music & Lights
- Hosted by CJOB’s Kathy Kennedy
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See Buffet menu here
Tickets are $84.95 per person (plus taxes & gratuities)
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)
Could AI reduce your handicapping time? Imagine the possibilities.
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Horse handicapping. With AI. | |
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could get AI to do all the heavy lifting when you’re handicapping the races? AI is getting smarter by the second, and it can now read PDFs of Past Performances. It also understands most if not all basic handicapping concepts.
We asked the $20-a-month paid version of Claude.ai to handicap Race 4 at Woodbine on Friday, November 15, and you can see the results below. We don’t 100 percent agree with the output but it’s decent considering we’ve barely taught the AI anything about handicapping yet.
AI is only as smart as the person training it when you first start prompting it for answers but as it produces results it can be further tweaked to provide more detailed answers, and you can feed the actual results back into it so that it can learn where it was right or wrong.
We prompted AI to analyze a race for basic factors such as speed, class, and pace. We also asked it to identify contenders, suggest longshots and value plays, and offer a basic wagering strategy. A more detailed prompt might include your personal favourite handicapping angles and your own specific knowledge about the track you're playing.
The prompt we used, and the output the AI produced, for Race 4 on Friday at Woodbine, are included below. After the race has run, we’ll tell Claude.ai what the actual results were, and right or wrong, it will learn from those results.
AI is going to get better and better at predictive analytics such as those required for handicapping a horse race. There are already numerous apps that provide AI horse racing picks which are based on probabilities, but just imagine if you could train the AI to handicap a race in your style, and then apply it to hundreds of races a day. Would it be like, ‘Where’s the wheel barrow? 😊’ Not just yet, but…
Imagine the possibilities.
INPUT: Prompt for Claude.ai accompanied by a PDF of Race 4 at Woodbine on Friday, November 15, 2024
Using the attached PDF of Race 4 at Woodbine on Friday, November 15, please provide a comprehensive race analysis including race overview and conditions, detailed analysis of each contender including Beyer Speed Figures, form, connections, workouts, trainer patterns, pace scenario, class analysis, value assessment, contender rankings, complete betting strategies, special situations and angles. Please note any troubled trips, significant trainer/jockey stats, and key patterns that impact the analysis.
OUTPUT: Handicapping Analysis for Race 4 at Woodbine, Friday November 15
RACE OVERVIEW
- $39,900 Claiming race for 3-year-olds and up who have never won two races
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles on synthetic Tapeta surface
- Claiming price: $15,000 (with $14,000 optional tag)
- Weight: 3YO-123lbs, Older-125lbs
- Non-winners of a race at a mile or over in 2024 allowed 2lbs
- Beyer par: 68
PACE ANALYSIS Early Speed:
- Shamateur (2) - Consistent front-runner showing speed in recent starts
- Fast and Ready (7) - Has shown early foot in sprints
- Play the Dots (9) - Can show early speed but not consistent
Projected Pace: MODERATE
- Shamateur likely takes the lead but shouldn't face intense pressure
- Fast and Ready trying routes for first time could press
- Several closers should benefit if pace heats up
CONTENDER ANALYSIS (In Order of Preference)
1. ETHNIC SOUL (10) - 7/2 Strengths:
- Four trifecta finishes since returning from layoff
- Strong closing kick and improving Beyers
- R.M. Hernandez retains mount
- Will benefit from pace setup
- Good value at morning line Weaknesses:
- 0-for-4 in 2024
- Needs clean trip from off the pace
2. SHAMATEUR (2) - 3/1 Strengths:
- Consistent front-runner with good tactical speed
- Three straight in-the-money finishes at this level
- Proven at the distance and surface
- Could control moderate pace Weaknesses:
- May face pressure from Fast and Ready
- Morden/Moran combo 0-for-7 since 2021
3. ZAKHARI (5) - 4/1 Strengths:
- Game second last time at lower level
- Adding blinkers for first time since April 2023
- Versatile running style
- Burke solid 11% win rate in 2024 Weaknesses:
- Steps up in class from last
- New rider Adams first time for barn
4. PET SOUNDS (8) - 6/1 Strengths:
- Competitive at this level
- McKnight 13% win rate in 2024
- Can sit good trip behind leaders Weaknesses:
- Flattened last time when making bid
- Another rider change
- Better around one turn
VALUE PLAYS & BETTING STRATEGY
Win Bet:
- Ethnic Soul (10) at 3/1 or better
Exacta Box:
- Ethnic Soul (10)
- Shamateur (2)
- Zakhari (5)
Trifecta Strategy:
- Key Ethnic Soul (10) over Shamateur (2), Zakhari (5), Pet Sounds (8)
- Also use as a saver: Shamateur (2) with Ethnic Soul (10), Zakhari (5)
Key Factors:
- Pace setup favors Ethnic Soul's closing style
- Class drop beneficial for Shamateur
- Addition of blinkers could wake up Zakhari
- Several recent troubled trips suggest untapped potential in some runners
ANGLES/NOTES:
- Trainer Norm McKnight solid 13% at meet
- Burke adding blinkers historically effective
- Surface specialist advantage for main contenders
- Several runners dropping from higher levels seeking confidence
The race sets up well for a closer like Ethnic Soul who has been steadily improving and should get the right pace setup. Shamateur offers value if able to control moderate fractions, while Zakhari could improve with equipment change. The suggested betting strategy allows coverage of the most likely scenarios while focusing on the best value opportunities.
Watch Race 4 at Woodbine on Friday and see how the AI made out. Win or lose, it will be interesting!
And we can make it better!
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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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Jockey Sven Balroop gets a high five from trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. after winning the Nephrite Overnight Stakes on August 27 at ASD aboard Exacting for Drop'en Racing, James Keplin, and Parker Wallette. (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 11
Broncos over Falcons (Sunday afternoon): Those poor Broncos. Just when it looked like the Chiefs' winning streak was coming to an end, the very rare blocked field goal dashed those hopes on the last play of the game. Even though they lost, Denver has been playing good football as of late, led by rookie quarterback, Bo Nix. He didn't get off to the greatest start this season, but over five games he has accounted for seven touchdowns and only two interceptions. He also has the ability to use his legs, racking up 185 yards on the ground over that same five game span.
The Falcons did what the Falcons do every season last week, sucker people into thinking they're a good team, and then go out and lay a stinker against a team they should easily beat, in this case it was the Saints. If they want to be taken seriously, they can't play down to the competition. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi might have had the quote of the week: "This is how my day started; I get down to the Superdome. I go into the head coach’s locker room, which I’ve never used before. So here I am, early in the morning, I go to the bathroom. This is how my day started. I clogged the toilet. I’m like, ‘This is gonna be a crappy day.’ Pun intended!"
49ers over Seahawks (Sunday afternoon): 49ers kicker Jake Moody returned after missing the last month with a legitimate injury, and Boy Oh Boy did he put us Niners fans through the ringer. When it comes to Moody, Niners fans seem to be very divided on him, and I for one believe he is a good kicker, but he really tested my patience last week against the Bucs. Despite missing three field goals, he came through in the end with a 44 yarder to win a very ugly game. Christian McCaffrey made his long-awaited return after missing the first half of the season. He looked good to me, tallying 107 total yards. Also, in a very feel-good moment, rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall scored his first career touchdown just 72 days after he was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt. Another date with division rival Seattle is up next, a team they have beaten the last six times.
Steelers over Ravens (Sunday noon): It's kind of funny how many "experts" questioned Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin after he made the switch from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson earlier this year despite the fact that they were 4-2 at the time. Not only has Pittsburgh's passing game improved with Wilson at the helm, they also haven't lost a game. I did not see them sitting at 7-2 midway through the year and they definitely are one of the more surprising teams. Attempting to slow down leading MVP candidate Lamar Jackson will be a tough task. Nobody has been able to do it so far, hence the 24/2 touchdown to interception ratio. This should be a hard-hitting game between two teams that really don't like each other, seeing how it's in Pittsburgh though, I think the hometown crowd will give the Steelers the boost they need.
Last week 2-1
Season overall 20-10
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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:
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Carryover Watch
- Woodbine (November 15) - Jackpot Super Hi-5 carryover $230,754. Mandatory payout on Saturday, November 16. See all carryovers here.
- Lone Star (November 16) - Jackpot Super Hi-5 carryover $36,068. Mandatory payout of all carryover pools.
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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.
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Handicapping Tournaments
Player's Choice Tournaments
- Player’s Choice – Saturday, November 23
- 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 | |
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 Woodbine and Del Mar. 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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While we are left to contemplate whether 2024 will be Gary Danelson’s final season at the Downs, let’s revisit some memorable moments in his career. Over the next three weeks, we’ll take a trip down memory lane, which saw Gary race at the Downs in eight different decades. Above Gary celebrates his first career win at the Downs on August 29, 1959 with his first ever horse Coherence (Assiniboia Downs Archives photo). | |
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Longshot listed at 10-1 faces 11 rivals at Woodbine on Saturday
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Artie's Storm wins at Woodbine. (Michael Burns/Woodbine) | |
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12 of the most expensive Canadian-breds to sell at auction, an unofficial report
| Wonder Gadot earned a million and brought $2 million at auction. (Michael Burns photo) | When Canadian Horse of the Year Moira sold for $4.3 million at The November Sale last week at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky, she became the second highest-priced Canadian-bred sold at auction, according to Canadian Thoroughbred‘s research. There is no central database for this information, so their list of the top 12 prices for Canadian-breds at auction was done strictly through internet searches, the American Racing Manual, and other sources. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
6-year-old bids to break Golden Sixty's records in Sunday's Hong Kong Cup
| Romantic Warrior and jockey James McDonald after their win in the 2023 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse (Hong Kong Jockey Club/Alex Evers) | Romantic Warrior takes center stage at Sha Tin Racecourse Nov. 17 as Hong Kong's best runners prep for the biggest day on the local calendar, the Dec. 8 Longines Hong Kong International Races. The exciting 6-year-old Acclamation gelding is bidding to eclipse records held by now-retired Golden Sixty after demonstrating his prowess during the 2023-24 season with top-level victories at home, in Australia, and in Japan. More from the Blood Horse here. | |
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
From May 28, 2020: Assiniboia Downs Survives Foreclosure, Press Box Inferno & Global Pandemic.
This week Bob looks back on historic events that led to closures and race cancellations at the Downs. Which ones do you recall? Hint: Some notable events took place in 1982 & 2004. Bob has the details here.
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Upcoming events at ASD
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Every Friday Night in November - 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 November - 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 November - 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
- Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, November 23 - 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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