ASSINIBOIA DOWNS

The Inside Track | Issue #170 | Friday, February 7, 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

  • NEW ENHANCED Shipping Incentives - click here
  • Stakes Schedule - click here
  • Stall Application - 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!
  • 2025 ASD Shipping Incentives Increased For All Regions!
  • A Memorable Photo of "Auggie"
  • Manitoba Stallion Profile: Kentucky Bear
  • Manitoba Stallion Profile: Keepcalmncruiseon
  • Looking For a Special Photo?
  • TravyFootball Super Bowl
  • Wagering, Betting Bonuses & More
  • A Snapshot in Time: Chocolate Turn
  • Sam F. Davis Stakes at a Glance
  • Captain Cook Wins Withers in Stakes Debut
  • Burnham Square and the "Bull" take Derby preps
  • Best of Bob: A Starter's Nightmare
  • 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:

Feb. 4 - Wild Life - $1,250

Feb. 3 - Big City 5's - $1,144

Feb. 2 - Viracocha - $1,015

Feb. 2 - Viracocha - $1,000

Feb. 2 - Big City 5's - $1,000

Feb. 2 - Viracocha - $1,005

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!

Still need plans for Valentine's Day?


Join us for our Valentine's Dinner & Dance on Friday, February 14, featuring our renowned Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet! Indulge in a mouthwatering feast followed by dancing until 11 p.m. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a fun night out with family and friends, this event is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day.


Tickets are just $59.95, so call 204-885-3330 today and treat yourself to a night of delicious food, and lasting memories! ❤️🎶🍽️


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

There's Always a Deal at ASD!

Super Bowl

Sunday, February 9th


🏈 Catch all the Super Bowl action at Assiniboia Downs and enjoy happy hour food and drink specials all day and all night long! Kick off at 5:30 p.m.


$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.

ASD 2025 Shipping Incentives Increased For All Regions!

Assiniboia Downs has just announced that shipping incentives have been increased across the board in Canada and the USA for the 2025 season! "We're very pleased to make this important upgrade to our program," said ASD CEO Darren Dunn. "We continue to value the horsepeople that choose Assiniboia Downs as their trusted place to race."


Stay tuned for more updates by visiting the Horsepeople Info page at ASDowns.com!

A Memorable Photo of "Auggie"

Terry "Auggie" Alderson lived life to the fullest at the track, and loved it. All of it.

Terry "Auggie" Alderson trying to hold on to Pappas Boy in the winner's circle on June 22, 1975.

Roxy Maxwell, whose family has been involved in the backstretch kitchen operation at Assiniboia Downs for decades, sent us the blast from the past photo above of Terry "Auggie" Alderson this week. (Auggie shown here on the right with his son Kenny and daughter Kyla)


Auggie passed away on January 6, 2025, but he lived a full life at the track, starting out as a hotwalker in 1965 walking horses for trainer A. E. "Bert" Blake for 25-cents a horse. Who remembers those days!?


He went on to be a groom, trainer and jockey agent at different tracks in Canada and the United States, locally working as an agent for jockeys that included Joe Selyem, Dean Kutz, Tom Adkins, Anderson Ward, David Lopez, Danny Vergara, David Essman and Travis Hightower. That's quite a collection of great riders!


Auggie is shown above holding on, or trying to hold on to, Pappas Boy, who won for him as a trainer on on June 22, 1975. And you just know he had fun doing it.


All of it.

Manitoba Stallion Profiles

Kentucky Bear, Keepcalmncruiseon

We continue this week with our profiles of Manitoba stallions that have registered for the lucrative stallion and breeding programs offered by CTHS Manitoba. There will be an excellent selection of stallions to choose from this spring for Manitoba mare owners!

Manitoba Stallion Profile: Kentucky Bear

(Mr. Greeley-Tate by Afleet)

Kentucky Bear (Mr. Greeley-Tate by Afleet)

A Grade 1-placed son of successful sire Mr. Greeley, Kentucky Bear brings both pedigree power and proven sire success to Manitoba, where he continues to make a significant impact on the local breeding program.


Though lightly raced, Kentucky Bear showed significant talent on the track, earning $100,200 highlighted by a third-place finish in the prestigious Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. His strong performance in graded stakes company demonstrated his ability to compete at racing's highest level.


From 13 crops to race, Kentucky Bear has established himself as a consistent regional sire, with 91 starters and 59 winners from 127 foals, achieving a strong 46% winner-to-foal ratio. His progeny have earned over $4.3 million, averaging nearly $48,000 per starter.


Kentucky Bear's proven sire record was further showcased in 2024 through his talented Manitoba-bred son No Show No Call, who was the leading earner at Assiniboia Downs with US $77,137. No Show No Call won both the Frank Arnason Memorial Sire Stakes and the J.W. Sifton Stakes during a stellar campaign that included six victories.


Other notable performers by Kentucky Bear include his all-time leading earner R U Watchingbud ($337,582), who won both the Queenston and New Providence Stakes at Woodbine, Double Bear, winner of the Canadian Derby (G3), and Bear's Pride, who captured the Victoriana Stakes.


Kentucky Bear's progeny have shown versatility across all surfaces and distances, with successful runners on dirt, synthetic, and turf, and a proven ability to carry their speed over a route of ground.


Kentucky Bear will be standing at Kelly Halliday’s farm east of Yorkton, Saskatchewan in 2025. For breeding inquiries and bookings contact Cam Ziprick at (204) 821-5456.

Kentucky Bear (#2 Orange Silks) finishes third in the 2008 Bluegrass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland.

Kentucky Bear (#2, Orange Silks) finishes third in the 2008 Bluegrass Stake (G1).

Manitoba Stallion Profile: Keepcalmncruiseon

(Catalina Cruiser-Whichwaydidshego by Storm Cat)

Keepcalmncruiseon (Catalina Cruiser-Whichwaydidshego by Storm Cat) winning at Assiniboia Downs in 2024. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)

Lightly raced but regally bred, Keepcalmncruiseon introduces an exciting young son of Catalina Cruiser to Manitoba breeders.


Injured as a yearling, he was purchased in a package deal south of the border and started only twice as a 3-year-old for trainer Devon Gittens, finishing second in his first lifetime start and winning his second start last summer at Assiniboia Downs.


By multiple graded stakes winner Catalina Cruiser, a proven young sire whose first crop has already produced Grade 3 winner Artislas and Grade 1-placed Catalytic, Keepcalmncruiseon offers breeders access to the successful Union Rags sire line. Catalina Cruiser won multiple Grade 2 events including two editions of the Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar.


Keepcalmncruiseon's female family is deep with black type. His dam Whichwaydidshego has produced seven winners from ten starters, including three stakes winners. His most accomplished sibling is Mark My Way ($353,760), winner of two New York Stallion Stakes. Other notable siblings include Haul Anchor ($334,344), winner of the Damon Runyon Stakes and Gander Stakes, and Hard to Stay Notgo ($212,440), winner of the Franklin Square Stakes.


The depth of this female family continues into his second dam Spunoutacontrol, who is a half-sister to champion two-year-old Minardi and leading sire Tale of the Cat. She produced Grade 2 winner Fed Biz ($770,496), who became a leading sire in Canada, and Spun Silk, dam of Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes winner Joking ($846,138).



Though lightly raced, Keepcalmncruiseon offers breeders an intriguing opportunity to access a deep stallion-making family. His pedigree features proven crosses of Storm Bird, Northern Dancer, and Mr. Prospector, providing multiple opportunities for successful breeding patterns.


Keepcalmncruiseon will be standing at Maggie Lawson’s Dunroven Farm in Rosser, Manitoba. For breeding information and bookings, please contact Dr. Betty Hughes at (204) 864-2281.


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

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

Leading rider Prayven Badrie and leading trainer Lee Delaronde congratulate each other after winning the Jack Hardy Stakes with Midnight Lady for leading owner Henry S. Witt, Jr. on July 15, 2024. (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 Super Bowl


The Super Bowl is always a bittersweet game for NFL fans. It's the culmination of everything that has happened over the last six months, but it is also the last game of the year until September. How you occupy this very long off-season really depends on how die-hard of a fan you are. The NFL Network can be lifesaving, as there's always something on—whether it's replays of a game from the past season, Path to the Draft, free agency, or the scouting combine. The NFL truly can be a year-round interest for some (like me!).


Chiefs over Eagles (Sunday at 5:30 p.m.): I personally believe the two best teams ended up in the big game this year, so something has to give. The Chiefs, coming from the AFC, probably had the tougher path to get there, while the Eagles essentially rode the Saquon Barkley train for three straight games.


During the regular season, the Chiefs' defence ranked 8th against the run, giving up an average of 102 yards per game. However, in their two playoff victories, they have been allowing 148 yards per game, which is music to the Eagles' ears. Kansas City won't be able to stop Barkley completely, but they have to limit his big, game-breaking runs and force Jalen Hurts to throw the ball more. Although he looked good against the Commanders two weeks ago, Hurts has been just average in these playoffs.


For the Eagles to win, I think it's pretty obvious: get pressure on Mahomes, force him into bad throws, and double-cover Kelce. That being said, Buffalo essentially took Kelce out of the game, and it still didn’t matter because Mahomes just found other people to get the ball to. That's what makes a quarterback great—you take one option away, he finds another, and when you take that one away, he will improvise and run for 7 or 8 yards on his own.


In the end, I do believe the Chiefs will win, much to the chagrin of the rest of the world, who are most likely rooting against them.


Last week: 2-0

Playoffs overall: 7-1

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.


Carryover Watch


Click here for carryovers.

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!

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, 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



  • Feb. 8 - Sam F. Davis (Tam) - 20 points
  • Feb. 15 - Risen Star (FG) - 50 points
  • Feb. 16 - Sunland Derby - 20 points
  • Feb. 22 - Rebel (OP) - 50 points
  • Feb. 22 - John Battaglia - 20 points


See leaderboard here.

"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group

The "I Won Bigg" wagering group resumes play this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the plaza. Everyone is welcome. Please email Larry if you would like a share in the group wager or for any additional information.

A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates

February, the ‘Love Month,’ has finally arrived! For the most part, winter is now in our rearview mirror, and spring training is just around the corner. Over the next four weeks, we will take a look at horses that remind us of Valentine’s Day-themed Thoroughbreds from the past.


‘Chocolate Turn’ kicks off Love Month. The photo above captures this bay mare’s victory on May 15, 1994. As you can see, it was a very special trip to the winner’s circle—it marked Tom Adkins’ 1,000th win at the Downs. On this memorable day, Tom’s milestone victory came aboard Glen Ball’s Chocolate Turn.


Who knew? Tom’s first win at the Downs came in 1974, and that horse was also trained by the man they called “GB” (Gerry Hart photo).

2025 Sam F. Davis Stakes at a Glance

Remsen Stakes (G2) winner Poster faces nine rivals at Tampa Bay on Saturday

Jockey Flavien Prat and Poster after their victory in the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct. (Walter Wlodarczyk / NYRA)

Tampa Bay Downs’ Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve kicks off Saturday with the Sam F. Davis Stakes. A springboard to the March 8 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby, the Sam F. Davis is also a solid first step toward a starting spot in the run for the roses, as it awards 20-10-6-4-2 qualifying points to the top 5 finishers. Remsen Stakes winner Poster has been listed at 4-1, and a race that should provide some great betting opportunities. More from America's Best Racing here.

Captain Cook Wins Withers in Stakes Debut

St. Elias Stable colt powerful in Kentucky Derby (G1) prep for trainer Dutrow

Captain Cook rolls to victory in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct last Saturday. (Coglianese Photos / Walter Wlodarczyk)

Perhaps in two months trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. will start focusing on the Kentucky Derby (G1) with his exciting new prospect Captain Cook. Right now, he's looking at the Wood Memorial (G2), which figures to be the acid test for the son of Practical Joke, who looked every bit like a Triple Crown contender as he posted a 2 1/4-length victory in the $250,000 Withers Stakes last Saturday at Aqueduct. More from the Blood Horse here.

Burnham Square and the ‘Bull’ Take Kentucky Derby Preps

Holy Bull winner, and 2024 champion 2-year-old Citizen Bull collect 20 Derby points each

Burnham Square, the 27th stakes winner for sire Liam's Map, was a strong winner of the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 1. (Lauren King / Gulfstream Park photo)

Anyone who had witnessed Whitham Thoroughbreds’ Burnham Square breaking his maiden on Dec. 28 at Gulfstream Park would have thought the colt was a strong player in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) last Saturday, and he was, flying by his Holy Bull rivals to take that Florida Derby (G1) prep last Saturday. And reigning 2-year-old champion Citizen Bull looked even better winning the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here.

The Best of Bob

by ASD Historian Bob Gates


From June 30, 2023: A Starter’s Nightmare


The life of a racing official responsible for starting Thoroughbred horse races is not an easy one. One day at Polo Park Racetrack, everything that could go wrong did go wrong—and in a big way. Click here to learn more about the day the circus came to Polo Park.

Upcoming Events at ASD


  • Free draws every Friday Night - 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 - 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 - 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
  • Valentine's Dinner & Dance - Friday, February 14 - more info
  • Manitoba Tattoo Expo - Friday, February 21 to Sunday, February 23 - more info
  • Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, February 22 - 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.

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