The Inside Track | Issue #166 | Friday, January 10, 2025 | |
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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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2025 Live Race Dates
- Live racing starts Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Click here for schedule.
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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
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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!
- Ziprick Thoroughbreds Acquires New Stallion by Curlin
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Wild Card Round
- Wagering, Betting Bonuses & More
- A Snapshot in Time: Flag the Trayne
- Canada's Moira Among Finalists for Eclipse Awards
- Breeding: Preakness winner Hill Prince Outran His Pedigree
- Pegasus World Cup Power Squeeze
- Best of Bob: Eddie Werre Jr. Journeyman Jock From Ashley, North Dakota
- Upcoming Events
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Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. | |
140 VLTs
More VLTs = More Jackpots! See our recent Jackpot Wins below:
Jan. 6 - Wild Life - $1,000
Jan. 5 - Big City 5's - $1,024
Jan. 4 - Viracocha - $1,100
Jan. 4 - Viracocha - $1,000
Jan. 4 - Wild Life - $1,000
Jan. 4 - Cash Eruption - $1,250
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Ziprick Thoroughbreds Acquires New Stallion By Curlin
Nielson brings impeccable bloodlines of two-time Horse of the Year to Manitoba
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New Manitoba stallion Nielson (Curlin-My Wandy's Girl by Flower Alley) will stand for $1,250 in 2025. | |
Manitoba's leading breeder Cam Ziprick has strengthened his stallion roster for the 2025 breeding season with the addition of Nielson, an impeccably-bred son of Curlin (Smart Strike - Sherriff's Deputy, by Deputy Minister) who will stand alongside Speculating for the 2025 breeding season.
Nielson, who commanded $850,000 as a yearling and was originally trained by Bob Baffert, represents a significant addition to the province's stallion ranks. The chestnut stands approximately 16.2 hands with a distinctive bald face, and is out of the multiple graded stakes winning Flower Alley mare My Wandy's Girl. He will stand for a fee of $1,000 plus $250 booking fee.
"He's exactly like Going Commando in looks and temperament,” said Ziprick. “Except he's bigger. He's a chestnut with a big bald face and just everything about him - his head, his face – he has that same kind of look."
A two-time winner on the track, Nielson is a half-brother to graded stakes winner My Prankster (Into Mischief), who entered stud in New York in 2024 and covered 46 mares in his first season.
Curlin, a two-time Horse of the Year (2007, 2008) and Hall of Famer who earned over $10.5 million, has established himself as one of North America's most influential sires, achieving the unique distinction of being the only stallion in history to sire three Breeders' Cup champions on the same day and have progeny win four individual Eclipse Awards.
Curlin's influence extends beyond his immediate offspring, as he is emerging as a significant sire of sires. His son Keen Ice sired 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, while champion Good Magic has already produced Kentucky Derby winner Mage and Grade 1 Champagne Stakes winner Blazing Sevens. Young stallions Vino Rosso and Solomini were represented by their first stakes winners in 2023, further cementing Curlin's legacy as a generational sire.
Nielson will stand alongside Speculating in 2025, and Ziprick also has high hopes for Speculating's progeny at the races this year. "Everyone we talked to really likes them," Ziprick said of Speculating's first crop. "They all had their reasons for not starting at two -- a little shinny or they just needed to grow up - but they all really liked them. He's going to start having some big years, I think."
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New Manitoba stallion Nielson (Curlin-My Wandy's Girl by Flower Alley) brings impeccable bloodlines to Manitoba for 2025. | |
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Ziprick and his partners Charlie Fouillard and sons, and Kelly Halliday, also acquired two other well-bred young stallions who will not be standing at stud in 2025, but will be in the future. Thousand Springs, a 3-year-old son of Ghostzapper, comes from one of the hottest young families in the industry. His half-sister, Demoiselle Stakes (G1) winner Muhimma (by Munnings) is undefeated in three starts and has earned $279,460.
“The third foal out of the mare, a yearling by Gun Runner, sold for $2.2 million at Keeneland," said Ziprick. "The mare also has a weanling by Gun Runner and she's back in foal to Gun Runner.”
The third new addition is In Form, a 3-year-old son of Candy Ride, who is a half-brother to graded stakes winner Solo Album (by Curlin), who sold for $535,000 as a yearling and later brought $800,000 at the Night of the Stars sale. Another half-sibling, the black-type winner Maedean (by Tapit), sold for $450,000 as a yearling and later brought $500,000 in foal to Nyquist. In Form's dam is also booked to Not This Time for 2025.
Ziprick operates his breeding program in partnership with Charlie Fouillard and Charlie’s sons, and Kelly Halliday also partners with the group. Together they maintain a band of approximately 15 high-quality broodmares. Their 2025 yearling sale consignment will feature 10 yearlings by Speculating, including the first foal out of multiple stakes winner Hidden Grace.
"Hidden Grace will have a baby in the sale, so that's going to be exciting," said Ziprick. "He was born January 2nd and he's huge - a big, strong, good-looking bay.” The operation also has a yearling for the sale out of She's Regal, making it a half-sibling to multiple Manitoba-bred stakes winner No Show No Call, by Speculating.
With a quality broodmare band, two commercial stallions, and promising young sires waiting in the wings, Ziprick's operation appears poised for continued success in the Manitoba breeding industry. The addition of a son of Curlin provides breeders with access to one of North America's most influential sire lines, while Speculating's 3-year-old crop will help establish his commercial viability when they race this year.
The diverse stallion roster and strong broodmare band demonstrate Ziprick and his partner's commitment to upgrading breeding stock in Manitoba. Their strategic approach - acquiring well-bred young stallions while maintaining proven sires, continues to ensure the long-term sustainability of thoroughbred breeding in Manitoba.
And we’re all cheering for that!
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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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Assiniboia Racing Club's Ride Em after winning the sixth race on August 19, 2024. Ridden by Shavon Belle and trained by Devon Gittens. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
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The 2025 Assiniboia Racing Club has reached its optimal membership level of 46 paid up shares and will not be selling any further shares for the 2025 racing season.
Thank you to all those who have expressed an interest in this year's Racing Club.
| 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 Wild Card Round
Chargers over Texans (Saturday afternoon): It only took one year for Jim Harbaugh to put his stamp on the Chargers and get them back to the playoffs after missing them for the past couple of years. It looks like they might be catching the Texans at just the right time as well. Houston has had their division locked up for a few weeks now, but they have looked far from a playoff team over the last few weeks of the season. C.J. Stroud and the offense have been very lackluster, scoring only two points in their last meaningful game—and technically, those two points came from the defense. If the Texans don't want to be one-and-done, they will need to get Nico Collins and Joe Mixon going. Fun fact: Every Houston Texans playoff game since 2011 (eight appearances) has taken place in the Saturday 3:30 p.m. time slot.
Ravens over Steelers (Saturday night): These two rivals couldn't be heading in more opposite directions. A month ago, the Steelers were sitting atop the AFC North with a 10-3 record, but they now find themselves on a four-game losing skid and have to travel to Baltimore instead of hosting a playoff game. The Ravens will bring their four-game winning streak into the Wild Card round and hope for better success than they've had in the past.
As great as Lamar Jackson has been during the regular season, he (like most great quarterbacks) will always be judged by what he does in the playoffs. His less-than-stellar playoff record (2-4) continues to provide ammunition for those who believe he's only a regular-season player.
Eagles over Packers (Sunday afternoon): The biggest factor in this game will be the health of both Green Bay starting quarterbacks. Last week, Jordan Love injured his elbow and had to leave the game. He was replaced by Malik Willis, who then got injured as well, forcing Love back into the game. The fact that Love returned suggests his injury isn't considered too serious. However, both Packers quarterbacks getting hurt was not the end of their troubles—receiver Christian Watson also suffered a torn ACL. On the other side, Jalen Hurts, who hasn't played in two weeks, is still in the concussion protocol (he may be cleared by the time you read this). Cody Pickett and Tanner McKee have been filling in for him, but Hurts definitely gives the Eagles the best chance to win. In the event that Hurts isn't able to play, I think the Eagles' defense will carry them to victory anyway.
Last week: 0-3
Season overall 34-20
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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:
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!
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Carryover Watch
- Turfway Park (January 10) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $61,912
Click here for carryovers.
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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.
10X Points Bonus: Wager $100 or more on Saturday, January 11 & Sunday, January 12 and receive 10X the points. See full details and opt-in at HPIbet.com.
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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.
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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.
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"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
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In the photo above, 3-year-old Flag the Trayne is shown winning the Manitoba Stakes 50 years ago. However, his moment to shine truly came in 1977, when Michael Gobuty purchased the bay from Betty Richardson for a reported $8,000. Flag the Trayne won eight times during the 123-day season, earning him the title of most wins in a single season at the Downs. Additionally, his eight victories made him the second-winningest horse in all of Canada. Wow! (Gerry Hart photo) | |
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Canada's Queen of Racing is headed to Australia, but one remaining order of business in North America is aiming for an Eclipse Award
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Moira, ridden by Flavien Prat, is greeted after winning the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Championships. (Bill Denver/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders’ Cup) | |
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB) have announced the finalists for the 2024 Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards, and star Canadian filly Moira is among them! Congratulations! Winners will be announced on January 23. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
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By a $250 stallion, out of $750 mare, Hill Prince won 13 stakes including the Preakness (G1)
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Preakness Stakes (G1) Hill Prince winner outran his pedigree in every race. (Keeneland Library Collection) | Turf writer Charles Hatton, in the American Racing Manual, wrote of Hill Prince, “Whether future turf historians will regard Hill Prince as a truly great horse can only be guessed. But it is a rare performer who dominates his age division at two and at three, and is not only the best of his age, but the best of more than 20,000 horses in training.” Quite an achievement for a horse out of a blind $750 mare and by a little-known stallion just beginning his stud career for $250. More from the Paulick Report here. | |
Alabama Stakes-winning filly Power Squeeze the only filly on Pegasus invite list
| Power Squeeze wins the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga this summer. (Coglianese Photos) | Grade 1-winning filly Power Squeeze and Skinner, last-out winner of the Native Diver (G3) at Del Mar, were elevated to the top dozen horses on the second invitation list for the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) on Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park. The 1 1/8-mile Pegasus for 4-year-olds and up is the headliner on a program featuring 10 stakes, seven graded, including the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) and $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2). More from Horse Racing Nation here. | |
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
From September 2, 2022: Eddie Werre Jr. Journeyman Jock From Ashley, North Dakota
Bob's historical flashback this week is about a jockey who began riding at the Downs in 1964. In his first full year of riding (1965), he competed against veteran Dick Armstrong for the leading rider title but fell just a few wins short. This young jockey had a brother who trained here and managed Joan Phipps’ “book.” Click here to learn the identities of these two brothers from Lehr, North Dakota.
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Upcoming Events at ASD
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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
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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
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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
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Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, January 25 - more info
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Valentine's Dinner & Dance - Friday, February 14 - 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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