ASSINIBOIA DOWNS

The Inside Track | Issue #167 | Friday, January 17, 2025

DINING
BET NOW
140 VLTs

ASD Hours

  • Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • VLT machines are sanitized between use

ASD 2025 Live Race Dates

  • Live racing starts Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Click here for schedule.

2025 Horsepeople Info

  • Stakes Schedule - click here
  • Stall Application - click here
  • Shipping Incentive - click here
  • Condition Book #1 (May 13 to June 18) - click here

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!
  • Manitoba/Saskatchewan Sires for 2025
  • Sincere Condolences: Marg Teske
  • Sincere Condolences: Leo Langlois
  • Looking For a Special Photo?
  • TravyFootball Divisional Round
  • Wagering, Betting Bonuses & More
  • A Snapshot in Time: Mr Bizbee
  • Huge Field Chasing Derby Points in Lecomte Stakes
  • Coal Battle Racing Small Trainer to Big Dreams
  • Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3 Picks
  • Best of Bob: Secretariat's Triple Crown: A Half Century Later
  • Upcoming Events
Do the Downs!

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

140 VLTs


More VLTs = More Jackpots! See our recent Jackpot Wins below:

Jan. 15 - Viracocha - $2,215

Jan. 15 - Viracocha - $1,005

Jan. 15 - Cats - $2,000

Jan. 13 - Sugar Sugar - $1,250

Jan. 12 - Big City 5's - $1,365

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!

Cash Draws


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. It's free to enter!


Free 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 free 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!

Valentine's Dinner & Dance

Friday, February 14


Treat your special someone to a night out or grab your friends and enjoy our amazing Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. followed by dancing until 11 p.m. See full menu here.


Tickets are $59.95 per person (plus taxes & gratuities).


Limited tickets are available - order yours today by calling 204-885-3330.


There's Always a Deal at ASD!

$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.

  • Mondays: Jalapeno Chicken Parm Sandwich
  • Tuesdays: Downs Burger
  • Wednesdays: Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomato
  • Thursdays: Taco Salad
  • Fridays: Crispy Chicken Ranch Wrap
  • Saturdays: Western Omelette
  • Sundays: Hot Beef Sandwich

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

Spirit Hour

Nightly from 11 p.m. to Midnight


  • House Vodka - $4
  • Rye - $4
  • Gin - $4
  • Rum - $4
  • Spiced Rum - $4


Evening Chef's Specials

Daily from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Reservations are not required.

  • Mondays: Chicken Finger Dinner $14.95 - Crispy breaded chicken tenders served with our famous honey dill dip. Served with fries and coleslaw. 


  • Tuesdays: 20% Off all regular priced food items.


  • Wednesdays: Pizza $15.95 - 12-inch thin crust pizza. Ham & Pineapple, Pepperoni & Mushroom or Vegetarian (tomatoes, onions, peppers, black olives & mushrooms).


  • 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.


  • 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.


  • 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.



  • Sundays: Fish & Chips $16.95 - Two pieces of beer battered cod with tartar sauce and lemon. Served with french fries and coleslaw.

Manitoba/Saskatchewan Thoroughbred Sires for 2025

Local breeders could have up to 16 stallions and seven sire lines to choose from

Manitoba sire Nonios winning at Santa Anita. Sire of stakes winners Mechanic Susie, Mr. Splash, and Betterlucknexttime in 2024. (Benoit Photo)

According to CTHS Manitoba, breeders in Manitoba and Saskatchewan could have up to 16 local sires and seven different sire lines to choose from this spring when it’s time to breed their mares.


The list below includes all the sires that could potentially be part of the lucrative Manitoba/Saskatchewan breeding program this year. The owners of the sires have until the end of January to register up for the program, if they haven’t already.


The list below includes the pedigrees of these stallions, followed by notes from American Classic Pedigrees regarding the sire lines.


Over the next few months, we’ll be delving further into the pedigrees, race records, and the best progeny of these stallions, so you’ll have all the information you need, including stallion fees, locations, and contact information, just in time for breeding season. For now, here’s the list.


Start dreaming!


Manitoba Stallions with Sire Lines


Ami's Holiday (Harlan's Holiday-Victorious Ai by Victory Gallop) -- Storm Cat

Following Sea (Runhappy-Quick Flip by Speightstown) -- Wavering Monarch

Hay Listen Up (Haynesfield-You'renotlistening by Kennedy Road) -- Mr. Prospector

Keepcalmncruiseon (Catalina Cruiser-Whichwaydidshego by Storm Cat) -- Northern Dancer

Kentucky Bear (Mr. Greeley-Tate by Afleet) -- Mr. Prospector

Neilson (Curlin-My Wandy's Girl by Flower Alley) -- Mr. Prospector

Nonios (Pleasantly Perfect-Stylish Manor by Touch Gold) -- His Majesty

Red Knobs (Union Rags-Hokey Okey by Lonhro) -- Northern Dancer

Seattle Serenade (Smart Strike-Serenading by A.P. Indy) -- Mr. Prospector

Speculating (Medaglia d'Oro-Well Dressed by Notebook) -- Northern Dancer

Vengeful Wildcat (Vindication-Wild Snitch by Forest Wildcat) -- Seattle Slew


Saskatchewan Stallions with Sire Lines


Edison (Bernardini-Heart of Grace by Exploit) -- Seattle Slew

Itsa Danzig (Danzig-Dake by Gulch) -- Northern Dancer

Kurilov (Looking At Lucky-Kossanova by Fly So Free) -- Mr. Prospector

Vindgari (Vindication-Garimpeiro by Mr. Prospector) -- Seattle Slew

Absolutely Stylish (Uncle Mo-Circumstance by Vindication) -- In Excess


Sire Line Notes from American Classic Pedigrees


Storm Cat: Passed on tough disposition, good body and strong hip as well as a powerful competitive instinct.


Wavering Monarch: His progeny tended to be precocious, and some of his daughters became notable broodmares.


Mr. Prospector: Tended to pass on his own excellent hind-end conformation. Was quick to learn and very professional in his manners.


Northern Dancer: Progeny generally had excellent balance and acceleration and a share of his own tremendous will to win.


His Majesty: Noted as a source of stamina and like his sire Ribot generally begot horses that improved with maturity.


Seattle Slew: Tended to throw a coarse, angular type with ability. His eyes were an unusually light, intense brown which sometimes reappear in his descendants.


In Excess: Noted for consistently passing on his speed.

Sincere Condolences

Marg Teske

(May 27, 1940 - January 4, 2025)

We are sad to announce the passing of longtime equestrian and friend to Assiniboia Downs, Marg Teske, at the age of 84.

 

Marg spent her entire life with horses, both race horses and show horses, and had numerous friends in the horse world. Some of you reading this would remember her from both the racetrack and her farm on McCreary Road in Winnipeg, where many young show horse riders benefited from Marg’s insightful tutelage.

 

Marg was married to Assiniboia Downs trainer Bill Teske for many years, and both were heavily involved with show horses, including one of the most famous show jumpers in Canadian history, Branch County.

 

Branch County was unsuccessful as a racehorse, but was magically transformed under the Teske’s care, and ridden to a Silver Medal in a jump-off in the 1976 Olympics by Michael Vaillancourt. Branch County was the youngest horse ever to represent Canada in the Olympics, the first horse from Canada ever to win a medal, and the only horse from Manitoba to ever accomplish the amazing feat.

 

Marg continued to teach youngsters, both horses and people, into the late stages of her life, and always enjoyed visiting her horses at the barn, which was only 150 yards from her house. She made special memories for people and their horses, and left an indelible mark on their hearts. Our sincere condolences to Marg’s family, friends, and horses.

 

A Celebration of Life for Marg will be held at Assiniboia Downs in May, with the exact date yet to be determined.

 

Sincere Condolences

Leo Langlois

(June 29, 1938 - January 2, 2025)

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Leo Langlois, who was the Head of Security at Assiniboia Downs for many years.


Leo was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and raised in Manitoba. He joined the RCMP in the early 1960s and was a committed member for 23 years, before being hired as the Head of Security at Assiniboia Downs, where he worked until his retirement.

Leo enjoyed playing hockey, football, and later golfing. He also enjoyed playing cards, whether it was crib, rummy, or bridge that he was taught by his sister Rena. He was an avid sports fan and always had the latest copy of Hockey News by his side. Leo also loved horse racing.


Leo earned the respect of the horsepeople during his time at Assiniboia Downs, and had many friends in the backstretch. He will be dearly missed.


Read Leo's Full Obituary here.

Looking for a Special Photo of Your Big Horse or...?

Track Photographer Jason Halstead may have just what you're looking for

2024 ASD Leading Rider Prayven Badrie on his way to victory in the fifth race on June 12, 2024 aboard Lt. Norm for trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. and owner Drop'en Racing. (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 Divisional Round


Chiefs over Texans (Saturday afternoon): The Chiefs' quest for a three-peat officially kicks off Saturday afternoon against a team they faced just a few weeks ago. After delivering a decisive victory over the Chargers last week, the Texans now head to Kansas City to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Kansas City won the Week 16 matchup 27-19, and I expect them to come out on top again.


Even though the Texans' defense looked dominant, their offense seemed stuck in neutral, and that just won't cut it against the Chiefs. A warm-weather dome team like Houston will always be at a disadvantage when playing outdoors in the cold. Despite Mahomes not having played a meaningful game since Christmas, there’s no such thing as rust for him. He’s the best and always ready to go.


Bills over Ravens (Sunday night): There will be plenty of chatter about the loser of this game. Whether it’s Allen or Jackson, one of them will be scrutinized for failing to reach the Super Bowl again. Ironically, one of these two QBs is also likely to win the league MVP. While it’s a regular-season award, I believe the winner of this game might just secure the MVP trophy as well.


Buffalo had a brief scare last week when the Broncos scored quickly, but the Bills responded by putting up 31 unanswered points to eliminate any doubt. The Ravens faced little resistance from the Steelers in their wild-card matchup, highlighted by a 13-play scoring drive consisting entirely of running plays.


These teams are almost mirror images of each other. Both play strong defense, both dominate with the run game, and both have dynamic quarterbacks capable of taking over a game. Get ready for a great showdown!


Eagles over Rams (Sunday afternoon): The Rams pulled off a major upset in the first round by utterly dismantling the Vikings. While the Rams had been playing better recently, no one expected the sheer dominance they displayed against Minnesota. Considering the challenges of living in Los Angeles amid the fires wreaking havoc on the city, football may have been the last thing on their minds. Yet, through adversity—and with Sam Darnold playing like his pre-Vikings self—the Rams find themselves advancing to face the Eagles in the divisional round.


Philadelphia started their playoff game with a bang, forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff against the Packers. Green Bay’s offense never found its rhythm, and injuries eventually derailed their ability to compete.


The Rams and Eagles met earlier this season, and it was a career game for Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Los Angeles will be desperate to avoid a repeat performance and is hoping their defense steps up this time.


Last week: 2-1

Wager on Top Tracks

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.

Can't make it to the track to wager?


Vist one of our off-track betting locations:


Be sure to stop by the Canad Inns Windsor Park, Green Brier Inn and Quest Inn every Saturday afternoon. A draw will be held at each location for $25 in wagering vouchers!

Carryover Watch


Click here for carryovers.

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.

Handicapping Tournaments


Player's Choice Tournaments



  • Player’s Choice – Saturday, January 25
  • Player’s Choice – Saturday, February 22
  • Player’s Choice – Saturday, March 29
  • Player’s Choice – Saturday, April 26


$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.

Road to the Kentucky Derby



  • Jan. 18 - Lecomte (FG) - 20 points
  • Jan. 25 - Southwest (OP) - 20 points
  • Feb. 1 - Holy Bull (GP) - 20 points
  • Feb. 1 - Robert B. Lewis (SA) - 20 points
  • Feb. 1 - Withers (Aqu) - 20 points


See leaderboard here.


Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: January 17, 18 & 19. Click here for list of horses and pps.

"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group

The "I Won Bigg" wagering group will resume play on Saturday, Feb. 8.

A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates

In 1975, the Selyem family’s Mr Bizbee had his finest year. Mr Bizbee won three races and finished second four times from ten starts. He could go long or short and gave it his all every time out. Who knew? Mr Bizbee is the only horse in the history of the Downs to win the final race of the meet twice—on August 13, 1973, and again on September 3, 1975. Mr Bizbee was one of those horses who just found ways to get it done. (Gerry Hart photo)

2025 Lecomte Stakes at a Glance

Huge field of 14 competing for 42 Kentucky Derby qualifying points on Saturday

Undefeated Disco Time (9/2) will attract substantial attention in Saturday's Lecomte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds Racecourse. (Coady Media)

The Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve gets more important on Saturday as the Lecomte Stakes ushers in a slate of preps worth 42 Derby qualifying points. The first five finishers in the two-turn test at Fair Grounds will receive 20-10-6-4-2 points in descending order. That’s a bump from the 10-5-3-2-1 points previously awarded and, perhaps a main reason why a field of 14 turned out for the Lecomte. Contender analysis from America's Best Racing here.

Coal Battle Racing Small Trainer Toward Big Dreams

72-year-old Louisiana trainer has his first horse on the Road to the Kentucky Derby

Lonne Briley, trainer of Kentucky Derby hopeful Coal Battle. (Renee Corbit/CoadyMedia)

Training a horse on the Road to the Kentucky Derby seemed like an unreachable dream for Lonnie Briley, but Coal Battle has now won two 10-point prep races and the 72-year-old Louisiana native might have to expand his aspirations. “I never even thought about ever going to the Derby,” Briley said. “Now, it’s just crazy. I can’t believe it.” More from the Paulick Report here.

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3

TwinSpires analysts James Scully and Vance Hanson agree on one pick

East Avenue wins at Ellis Park (Coady Media)

Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) will open its three-day run on Friday, providing the opportunity to wager on 39 individual interests and the pari-mutuel field of “All Other Three-Year-Olds” for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3. Listed as #40, “All Others Three-Year-Olds” is expected to lead the betting, tabbed as the 5-2 morning line favourite on Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia’s morning line. TwinSpires analysts James Scully and Vance Hanson offer their picks, and they agree on one! More from TwinSpires here.

The Best of Bob

by ASD Historian Bob Gates


From June 9, 2023: Secretariat’s Triple Crown: A Half Century Later


Can you believe it’s been five decades since Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973? To mark this special anniversary, Bob takes a look back at the 3-year-old chestnut colt who gave us something extraordinary to celebrate. After all, it had been 25 years since Citation won the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont in 1948. Click here to read Bob’s reminiscence of Big Red and his remarkable feat on June 9, 1973.

Upcoming Events at ASD



  • Free draws every Friday Night in January - Enter for a chance to spin the lucky Cash Wheel starting at 6 p.m. A free draw for $200 cash will also take place at 9 p.m. - more info
  • Free draws every Saturday Night in January - Enter for a chance to spin the lucky Cash Wheel starting at 6 p.m. A free draw for $200 cash will also take place at 9 p.m. - more info
  • Free draws every Sunday Night in January - Enter for a chance to spin the lucky Cash Wheel starting at 6 p.m. A free draw for $200 cash will also take place at 9 p.m. - more info
  • Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, January 25 - more info
  • Valentine's Dinner & Dance - Friday, February 14 - more info

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.

LinkedIn Share This Email
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube  
Visit our website