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Stay up-to-date with the latest news from Assiniboia Downs.

ISSUE #178 - APRIL 4, 2025

"Longshot Les" Buzzell

"Longshot Les" Buzzell wins Player's Choice Tourney


"Longshot Les" Buzzell captured his second Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament title at Assiniboia Downs by a wide margin last Saturday, but if you think he did it by taking wild stabs in the dark, think again.


"Everybody thinks I just swing for the fences without looking, but I don't," said Buzzell, who built his $60 bankroll to $156.10 to take home the trophy and $1,000 cash.


CLICK HERE to see how he did it.

Trainer Jared Brown enjoying a walk in the backstretch Thursday morning. (George Williams)

Jared Brown Back With Strong Stable


Trainer Jared Brown is back in action at Assiniboia Downs with 26 horses, and it appears he could be headed for another great year. Brown, who first arrived at Assiniboia Downs in 1999, has assembled a formidable stable for the 2025 season.


The 57-year-old Vancouver native, who spent years in Seattle before making Manitoba his racing home, is coming off an impressive campaign where he tied for second in the trainer standings with 24 wins. Last year, he won six stakes races. This year could be even better.


CLICK HERE to read more about Brown's stable for 2025.

New Board Directors Added



The Non-Profit Manitoba Jockey Club Inc., operators of Assiniboia Downs, announced the addition of five new members to the Board of Directors, bringing the total to 11. Click here to read more.

2025 Live Racing Season



  • 2025 Live Race Dates - click here
  • NEW ENHANCED Shipping Incentives - click here
  • REVISED Condition Book #1 - click here
  • Stakes Schedule - click here
  • Stall Application - click here

Easter Brunch is SOLD OUT. Mother's Day tickets still available


Easter Brunch is now SOLD OUT but tickets are still available for Mother's Day Brunch. Mother's Day Brunch sells out every year, so don't be disappointed and order your tickets today! 204-885-3330.



Click the above links for menu details and ticket prices.

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Live Racing Prime Rib Buffet


Reservations are now open for our live racing Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet featuring succulent, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib prepared to perfection, seafood table, rotating entree selections and much more! Buffet prices: Adults $59.95, Seniors (65+) $54.95, Kids 12 & under $34.95, Kids 5 & under $22.95.


SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER: $10 off per person for any race night in May. Promotional reservations are limited and must be made before April 30th.

A Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates


From a $49 longshot to Hall of Fame glory—join us as we celebrate the unforgettable legacy of Irwin Driedger at Assiniboia Downs. Click here to read more.

Captain Cook has been listed as the 7/2 second choice in Saturday's Wood Memorial. (Walter Wlodarczyk / NYRA)

2025 Wood Memorial Cheat Sheet


Twelve rivals will go postward in the 100th running of the $750,000 Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday led by morning-line favourites Rodriguez (5/2) and Captain Cook. None of the 12 entered has a secure spot in the Kentucky Derby yet, and several runners are making their stakes debut, meaning it’s now or never for this group.


Triple Crown winners Gallant Fox (1930), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), and Seattle Slew (1977) all won the Wood Memorial on their way to etching their names in the annals of Thoroughbred racing history. ~ AmericasBestRacing.net

CLICK FOR FULL STORY

Mandatory Payout Alert: Charles Town will be having a mandatory payout of their Jackpot Pick 6 on Saturday, April 5. Current carryover (as of Thursday, April 3) is $91,649.

Secretariat.com has been running Hall of Fame writer Steve Haskin's horse racing columns for years, and for good reason! Haskin spent decades in the backstretch learning his craft, and it shows!

Steve Haskin's Kentucky Derby Rankings Week 10


There are two major Kentucky Derby preps this Saturday, the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct and the Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita. There are major Derby players in both races including Citizen Bull, Journalism, and Captain Cook. And don't forget to watch Flood Zone in the U.A.E Derby (G2) on Saturday too.


Haskin takes a closer look at the big players and also analyzes the results of the Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby. Then we've got the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keenland on April 8. ~ Secretariat.com

CLICK FOR FULL STORY

Forever Young, the world's top rated racehorse, will be favoured in the 29th running of the $12 million Dubai World Cup on Saturday. (Dubai Racing Club)

Saturday: Forever Young in Dubai World Cup, Flood Zone in U.A.E. Derby


Forever Young, the highest-rated horse in the world since his victory in the Saudi Cup (G1) last month, will attempt to become the first horse to win both the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup (G1) on a blockbuster card at Meydan on Saturday.


The card also features Saudi Cup runner-up Romantic Warrior in the $6 million Sheema Classic (G1) on turf, Gotham Stakes winner Flood Zone in the U.A.E. Derby (G2), and Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser in the Golden Shaheen (G1) sprint. All races will be available on HPIBet.com. Post time is 12:30 p.m. CST. ~ CanadianThoroughbred.com

CLICK FOR FULL STORY

The Best of Bob by Bob Gates


From July 17, 2020: I Dreamed of a Racetrack Heaven


And now for something completely different. This week our faithful track historian has taken a swing at song-writing and re-worked Tex Ritter’s 1961 hit Hillbilly Heaven. Click here to listen to the Ritter hit then check out Bob’s lyrics for his version of Racetrack Heaven here.

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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