The Inside Track | Issue #32 | June 17, 2022 |
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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?
- Fundraiser for David Blake
- Race Night Dining
- Happy Fans and Huge Wagering Handles
- Canada Day Fireworks
- Snapshot in Time
- Partner Locations
- Photo of the Week - Two Winners
- NEW! ASD Making Memories
- Mo Donegal Romps in Belmont
- Manitoba-Bred Gold Strike bred to Munnings
- Carryover Watch
- Bob: 8 Decades - A Picture Book
- Upcoming Events
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SPIN TO WIN THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS IN THE CLUBWEST GAMING LOUNGE - Enter at the VLT cage every Thursday and Friday for a chance to spin the wheel for up to $100 cash! Draws will be made every 30 minutes starting at noon.
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TREMENDOUS TUESDAYS - 4% cash back on all eligible wagering Tuesdays in June. Minimum wagered $100 (each Tuesday). Maximum deposit $25 (each Tuesday). Wagers must be placed on HPI account to qualify. ($2.10 payoffs not included.)
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ASD PLAYER PORTAL - All the important information you need for Assiniboia Downs live racing is now in one place! Watch the live feed and ASD Live handicapping show in HD. Plus free online ASD programs, free Brisnet pps, jockey bios, expert tips from ASD, Canadian Thoroughbred and Horse Racing Nation. Bookmark this page and check back daily as programs and picks will be added as they are available.
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FAN EDUCATION CENTRE - If you’re new to racing make sure to stop by and see Shannon and Brad at the Fan Education Centre on the main level during live racing. They are available from 6 p.m. to the end of racing to answer all your questions. Learn how to make a wager, what the odds mean, how to read the racing program and more! And while you're there, they can help you open a free online HPIbet.com account.
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CHASE THE ACE - Play Chase the Ace every live race night. Congratulations to Dave Joss who won the $1,700 jackpot last week. A new Chase the Ace jackpot has started with a seeded pool of $1,000.
Ace of Diamonds wins the jackpot. Other prizes: Either Joker $100, Any other card $25. 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.
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ONLINE TOURNAMENT DATES: Monday, June 27, Monday, July 18, Monday, August 8, Monday, August 29 and Monday, September 26. You must be a Manitoba HPI customer to participate.
PRIZES: 1st Place: Trip for two to Las Vegas *, 2nd Place: $500, 3rd Place: $250
QUALIFY DAILY: Qualify every live race day for a reduced entry fee by picking three winners on the ASD race card. Click here for a list of the current qualifiers as of June 15.
ENTRY FEE: $50 which you can reduce to zero by predicting three winners on race cards leading up to the tournament.
For more information, tournament rules and qualifying days please email Sheri at [email protected].
(* The winner of the tournament will be provided $3,500 to book their trip and accommodations to Las Vegas)
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David Blake with his mother and caregiver Harriett in 2020 |
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Fundraiser for David Blake |
David Blake, a longtime member of the backstretch community at Assiniboia Downs, needs your help. David suffered a heart attack on January 15, 2021 and following that, was experiencing unusual back pain, which was diagnosed as stage 3 bone marrow cancer.
David was off work due to COVID and has since exhausted his health insurance plan. His longtime friend, Sandra Ivanowich, has started a GoFundMe page to assist with David's living and medical expenses. Thank you everyone!
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TERRACE DINING ROOM PRIME RIB BUFFET: Back after a long awaited pandemic hiatus is ASD's delectable all-you-can eat Prime Rib buffet filled with lots of choices including signature classics and what are sure to be your new favourites!
- 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
- Complimentary programs and tip sheets
- The table is yours for the entire evening of racing
- Adults - $47.95, Seniors (65+) - $44.95, Kids 12 & under - $27.95, Kids 5 & under - $14.95
- Reservations are required. Call 204-885-3330.
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.
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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
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FATHER'S DAY BRUNCH: Treat Dad to brunch on his special day! Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here for full menu. Adults $44.95, 12 & under $21.95, 5 & under $9.95. For tickets call 204-885-3330.
Please note that there is no live racing on Father's Day as we race Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson |
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Burrow Down wins the $35,000 Chantilly Stakes on Tuesday at ASD for trainer Murray Duncan and owner Gerald Babchishin. Stanley Chadee Jr. Up. Congratulations! (Jason Halstead photo) |
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Happy Fans and Huge Wagering Handles Mark First 7 Days of Live Racing
Attendance increasing every day as weather warms in Manitoba
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Fans continued to flock to the track in greater numbers as the weather warmed over the past week, the daily handles continued to be strong, and trainer Murray Duncan continued to do what he’s always done – turn claimers into stakes winners.
Fans bet $765,396 on Monday, $878,316 on Tuesday and a whopping season high $1.32 million on an entertaining Wednesday that included some super-competitive races with large fields in the Pick 4. Numerous Twitter players and pickers have also jumped in on the action to help spread the word about Assiniboia Downs having the best horse racing available on weekdays.
Almost every rider in the room got off the snide and won a race last week, and it didn’t take veteran trainer Murray Duncan long to get back in the winner’s circle doing what he does best – claiming horses at Oaklawn Park and turning them into stakes winners at Assiniboia Downs.
Duncan won the $35,000 Chantilly Stakes on Tuesday with Burrow Down, a 3-year-old filly he claimed for owner Gerald Bachishin on May 8 at Oaklawn Park for $30,000. Ridden by Stanley Chadee Jr., Burrow Down inhaled her field in the Chantilly, taking over into the stretch and romping away to win by seven lengths.
Duncan had former local star Miss Imperial claimed away from him at Oaklawn Park and Burrow Down is one of four horses he brought back from there to fill the gap. She might fill it all by herself.
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Trainer Marvin Buffalo and his wife Deb are off to a sizzling start at ASD in 2022, winning at a 40% clip after spending the winter at Turf Paradise. (George Williams photo) |
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Also hot on the trainer front was Marvin Buffalo, who saddled Fair Challenge to win the sixth race on Wednesday night and become only the second two-time winner at the meeting, the other being Big Tony, trained by Elton Dickey. Big Tony was better than the rivals he faced. Fair Challenge may not have been, but he received an absolute dream trip under new jockey Leonel Camacho-Flores and held on gamely to win.
Kudos to Buffalo for having Fair Challenge ready to roll at full steam after spending the winter in Phoenix. Buffalo is winning at a 40% clip, best among all trainers with at least 10 starts. He now has a record for 4-3-1 from 10 starts.
Congratulations also go out to trainer Devon Gittens, who has now saddled two Manitoba-breds to win their first lifetime starts this year, the latest being Cheers To Mom on Monday for owner Charles Fouillard, who bred the 3-year-old daughter of Kentucky Bear-She Is Impressive by Regal Classic in partnership with Cam Ziprick.
Gittens had earlier saddled Miss Giving, a 3-year-old filly by Kentucky Bear- Bull Market Lady by Holy Bull to win her first lifetime start for breeder Sherisse Ziprick and Miss Understood Stable.
Three-time training champion Jerry Gourneau leads all conditioners with five wins, but there’s a log jam for the top five spots with Marvin Buffalo, Shelley Brown, Mike Nault and Lise Pruitt each having four wins.
Jorge Carreno moved to an open lead this week in the jockey standings and last year’s riding champ now has nine total wins, putting him three ahead of Stanley Chadee Jr., who has six victories. Renaldo Cumberbatch, Chavion Chow and Prayven Badrie round out the top five spots with five wins a piece.
The jockey and trainer battle this year could be among the best we’ve ever seen.
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2021 leading rider Jorge Carreno (left), shown here with his agent and former multiple local riding champ Tim Gardiner, leads the 2022 ASD jockey standings with nine victories. (George Williams photo) |
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A Snapshot in Time
By Track Historian Bob Gates
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On June 23, 1958, trainer A. E "Bert" Blake saddled his first winner at Assiniboia Downs. As interesting as that fact is – it is not the story. The story is about the racing surface at the “new” Assiniboia Downs. The Downs was the recipient of the clay and river silt topping from old Whittier Park in St. Boniface. Whittier Park had long been out of commission with no racing after 1942. The 1950 flood waters destroyed the old grandstand, clubhouse and barns and in the end all that was left was the racing surface itself. The track topping from Whittier Park was mixed with sand in the hopes that it would provide a rapidly drying track and better drainage for Assiniboia Downs. Who knew? (Assiniboia Downs photo). |
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CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK TO WAGER?
Watch and wager at one of our partner locations:
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Canad Inns Windsor Park - 1034 Elizabeth Road
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Green Brier Inn - 1611 Main Street
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Rookies at Central Hotel - 201 Melrose Avenue East
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Quest Inn - 367 Ellice Avenue
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McPhillips Station Casino - 484 McPhillips Street
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Club Regent Casino - 1425 Regent Ave W
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Wager 24/7 at HPIbet.com
OPENING SOON!
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Club 3D - 3317 Portage Avenue
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Nor-Villa Motor Hotel - 1763 Henderson Hwy
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Groom school graduate Skyla Blanchard with Miss Giving in trainer Devon Gittens' barn. Bred by Sherisse Ziprick and owned by Miss Understood Stable, Miss Giving is a Manitoba-bred 3-year-old filly by Kentucky Bear-Bull Market Lady by Holy Bull. She won her first lifetime start for Gittens on May 31 and finished fifth in the Chantilly Stakes on Tuesday. Great job by all! (George Williams photo) |
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NEW! ASD Making Memories! |
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Do you have a memorable winning bet, a favourite horse, a big contest win, a meal/brunch shared with loved ones and friends, something special that endears you to the Downs? If so we’d love to hear from you! Send us your favourite memory of Assiniboia Downs and you might be selected for the new ASD Making Memories section of the Inside Track! If you have a photo to go with it, send that too! We welcome all submissions!
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Do you have an interesting photo or memory you would like showcased in an upcoming newsletter? Email us at [email protected].
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Holds off filly Nest to win 154th Belmont Stakes. Derby winner Rich Strike 6th.
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Mo Donegal flies to victory in the 154th Belmont Stakes (G1) to the roar of the New York crowd. (NYRA photo) |
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Donegal Racing and Repole Stable’s Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo – Callingmissbrown, by Pulpit), patiently handled by Irad Ortiz, Jr., staved off his filly stablemate Nest to capture last Saturday’s 154th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets. Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike failed to fire and finished sixth. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
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Dam of Kentucky Derby winner bred to sire of undefeated Jack Christopher
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Munnings running in the paddock at Ashford Stud's Coolmore Farm in Kentucky. |
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Manitoba-bred mare Gold Strike, the dam of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, was bred to Ashford Stud's Munnings for the 2023 foaling season, BloodHorse reports. A multiple Grade 2 stakes winner by Speightstown, Munnings is a proven sire of Grade 1 winners including recent Woody Stephens Stakes (G1) winner Jack Christopher, who is now a perfect 4-for-4. Munnings stands at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Ky., for an advertised fee of $85,000. More from the Paulick Report here.
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- Woodbine Mohawk (June 18) - Jackpot Hi-5 - carryover $548,692
- Santa Anita (June 17) - Jackpot Pick 6 - carryover $221,453
- Parx (June 20) - Jackpot Pick 5 - carryover $101,500
- Prairie Meadows (June 17) - Jackpot Pick 5 - carryover $86,434
- Assiniboia Downs (June 20) - Jackpot Pick 5 - carryover $77,140
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See all carryovers here.
MANDATORY PAYOUT ALERTS:
Woodbine Mohawk Park will have a mandatory payout on the Jackpot Hi-5 on Saturday June 18th (North America Cup night). The pool will be frozen until the 18th. Carryover is $548,692.
Sam Houston will have mandatory payouts on all pools, including the Jackpot Super Hi-5 and Jackpot Pick 6 on their closing day, Saturday, June 18. First race post time is 6:45 p.m.
Santa Anita will have mandatory payouts on all pools, including the Rainbow Pick 6, on their closing day, Sunday, June 19. The Rainbow 6 carryover into Friday’s program is $221,453.
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Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
"And now for something completely different." ~ Monty Python's Flying Circus. Bob put his pen down and went leafing through his photo archive. The result? He came up with eight photos, one for each of the eight decades that the Downs has been in business, plus a bonus photo. Click here to view Bob’s Historical Picture Book.
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Upcoming events at ASD
- Live Racing every Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
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Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournament - Monday, June 27 - more info
- Canada Day Eve Block Party - Thursday, June 30
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Canada Day Fireworks & Festival - Friday, July 1 - more info
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Gulping Horse Ultimate Beverage Festival - Saturday, July 16 - more info
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Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sundays July 24 & August 28 - more info
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Holi Summer Fest - Saturday, August 6 - more info
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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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