The Inside Track | Issue #155 | October 25, 2024 | |
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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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Assiniboia Downs is Open-Year Round
- 140 VLTs open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Free games for cash prizes!
- Draws for $200 cash every Friday, Saturday & Sunday starting Friday, Nov. 1
- Wagering on top tracks from North America & Europe
- Daily Happy Hour, $11.95 lunch specials, evening specials and full dining menu
- Facility rentals
- Special events
Go to ASDowns.com for a complete list of upcoming events and specials.
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In this edition . . .
- What's happening at the Downs?
- Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament
- Daily Draws for Cash in VLT Lounge
- Breeders' Cup from Del Mar
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Chef's Weekend Specials
- Premachuk Wins Player's Choice After Tie-Breaker
- Dalyss Hanson Interviews ASD CEO Darren Dunn
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Week 8
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot in Time: The Buffie Twins & Hugh Jackson
- Breeders' Cup: 212 Pre-entries, Huge International Presence
- 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic Cheat Sheet
- Moira the Lone Canadian-Bred in 41st Breeders' Cup
- Best of Bob: The Ragens
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Player's Choice Tournaments
- Player’s Choice – Saturday, November 23
- Player’s Choice – Saturday, December 28
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.
Prizes:
- 1st Place: $1,000 plus trophy
- 2nd Place: $400
- 3rd Place: $200
- 4th Place: $100
- 5th Place: $50
2024 Tournament Winners:
- Player's Choice - Saturday, January 20 - Winner: Ron Phelps
- Player's Choice - Saturday, February 17 - Winner: Trevor Phelps
- Player's Choice - Saturday, March 16 - Winner: Don Allard
- Player's Choice - Saturday, April 13 - Winner: Myron Fedoruk
- Player's Choice - Saturday, May 11 - Winner: Kevin Arnst
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, June 17 - Winner: Darcy Penner
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 8 - Winner: Brittany Jonatanson
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, August 12 - Winner: Ken Porter
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, September 2 - Winner: Paul Gray
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, September 23 – Winner: Alan Hampton
- Player's Choice - Saturday, October 19 - Winner: Randy Premachuk
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Join us today in the Club West Gaming Lounge and discover why we're the ultimate destination for VLT entertainment in the area!
Premier Amenities
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Spacious Area: Our gaming lounge provides ample room for you to relax and enjoy your gaming experience comfortably.
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Sanitization: VLT machines are sanitized between use.
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Great Customer Service: Our friendly staff is dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring your visit is enjoyable from start to finish.
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Licensed Lounge: Sip on your favourite drinks from our licensed lounge while you play.
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Food & Drink: Indulge in delicious food and drinks available right in the gaming lounge.
Daily Draws for Cash
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Lucky Stars: Enter for a chance to pick a Lucky Star for up to $100 cash. Lucky Stars will be played at various times throughout the day/night.
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Lucky Spins: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Enter for a chance to win $20 in free VLT spins. Keep what you win!
New! Coming in November
- Draws for $200 Cash every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Join us in the VLT Lounge every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a chance to win $200 cash. Dinner specials, drink specials and a chance to win some cash! It doesn't get any better than that!
- Draws for a chance to spin our Lucky Wheel for cash prizes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.
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Breeders' Cup from Del Mar
Friday, Nov. 1 & Saturday, Nov. 2
- 3% cash back bonus on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2. Wager $1,000 or more on your HPI account on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 and receive 3% cash back to a maximum of $100. ($2.10 wagers are not eligible). All wagers must be placed on your HPI account and you must opt in to qualify.
- Special Breeders' Cup Handicapping Show with ASD Live's Kirt & Stretch.
- Free Breeders' Cup programs and DRF at all locations. The free programs and DRF will be available at all locations by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30.
- Breeders' Cup merchandise draws at all locations.
- The Terrace Dining Room will be open for seating. If you would like to reserve a table please call 204-885-3330. The Club West menu will be available along with the daily food specials. Please note that there will not be a buffet.
$500 EXCLUSIVE BREEDERS’ CUP CONTEST
- This exclusive contest is free to enter and is open to anyone who has participated in at least one of the eleven Assiniboia Downs Handicapping Contests that have taken place in 2024.
- The contest will take place on the five Breeders’ Cup races (races 6 through 10) on Friday, November 1 and the nine Breeders’ Cup races (races 4 through 12) from Del Mar on Saturday, November 2. Select the winner of each of the fourteen Breeders’ Cup races.
- The total number of winners from Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 will be added together and the $500 HPI deposit will be awarded to the person who has selected the most winners.
- In the event of a tie, the $500 HPI deposit will be divided equally between all the winners.
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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
New hours! Daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close.
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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
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Appetizer Specials
- Sweet Potato Fries - $8.95
- Chicken Fingers - $8.95
- Cheese Nachos - $8.95
- Pot Stickers - $8.95
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All of the above specials are dine-in only and are subject to applicable taxes. | |
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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.
As a special bonus, everyone who orders one of the evening specials will receive a game card to play “Pick to Win” in our Club West Gaming Lounge. Pick the green poker chip and you can spin our cash wheel to win up to $100 cash!
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House Vodka, Rye, Gin, Rum & Spiced Rum - 1 oz - $4
Every night from 11 p.m. to Midnight
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
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Randy Premachuk Wins Player's Choice for 6th Time
Longtime handicapper wins tie-breaker for top spot
| Player's Choice Tournament winner Randy Premachuk with handicapping assistant Real Good Deal. | |
Randy Premachuk captured the Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament at Assiniboia Downs on Saturday in dramatic fashion, winning by random draw after tying for first place.
The longtime handicapper who still remembers his early years at the track as a youngster in the ‘70s chasing tickets around the tarmac (like many of us) finished with a bankroll of $121.40, identical to second-place finisher Brandon Barter, with both contestants recording three winners from their ten tournament wagers. Per tournament rules, a random generated computer draw determined the winner after both players agreed to split the combined first and second-place prize money of $1,400.
For Premachuk, who could now hold the record with his sixth tournament victory, the key to success came through a combination of backing his own horse, Chicago’s Gray, at Century Downs, and astute trip handicapping at Charles Town.
"I was picking Chicago's Gray all the way because I knew he was feeling good," said Premachuk. "I was in Calgary the week before and he was all dappled. I thought he was going to have a big shot."
Despite going off at shorter odds than his 8-1 morning line, Chicago's Gray still paid a solid $9.40, $6.60, $5.40 across-the-board under jockey Dane Nelson and gave Premachuk the start he needed in the tournament. "Craig Smith said to Dane Nelson, 'you've got to get this horse on the engine,'" Premachuk recalled. "He dueled with another speed horse and put him away. He was just skipping along that track."
The tournament really turned in Premachuk's favour in the first race at Charles Town, where careful replay analysis revealed a hidden gem. "I watched the replay of Tizafastbullet's last race and he checked halfway through the race with no mention of it in the comments," Premachuk said. "He kind of got trapped on the rail at the end. It was a much better race than it looked in the form."
Tizafastbullet rewarded Premachuk handsomely, paying $36.10, $15.30, $7.60 across the board and pushing his bankroll to $91.70 through five races. "Trip handicapping is huge," Premachuk said. "That's what kind of makes it fun too, when you watch some replay and find some things that give you confidence and an edge maybe over some other players. Sometimes you can interpret them incorrectly, but when you find something like that Charles Town horse, it can be a shocking overlay."
"If anyone would have seen that trouble, they would have backed him. We're not talking about 2-1 horses here - you're taking a longer-priced horse, but you're just trying to find a bit of an advantage."
The final tournament standings were:
1. Randy Premachuk - Bankroll $121.40 - Prize $700 plus trophy (Winner by draw)
2. Brandon Barter - Bankroll $121.40 - Prize $700
3. Roger Jones - Bankroll $111.50 - Prize $200
4. Tanis Atras - Bankroll $105.70 - Prize $100
5. Trevor Tilston-Jones - Bankroll $95.90 - Prize $50
Premachuk's strategy shifted after building his bankroll. "I held back a little bit because I was trying to find something," he said. "But it was good early on to just go bang, bang, bang with my picks."
The victory put Premachuk in strong contention for Handicapper of the Year honours with two tournaments remaining. Currently tied with Darcy Penner for first place in the standings with 255 points, he knows what it will take to capture the title.
"If I'm going to gain more ground, I've got to finish in the top five in the next two contests for sure," he said. "But it's wide open."
Premachuk credits his success to a methodical approach to handicapping that starts with analyzing pace scenarios.
"The first thing I always look for is how much speed is in the race, and then I'm looking for speed duels because the closers usually pay more money," he explained. "But that's just the quick thing that I look for in these contests. When I have to play a race and can't find anything, that's when I watch replays. It's amazing how you see something you would never have caught without looking at the replays."
When not handicapping tournaments during his leisure time, Premachuk keeps busy caring for his nine horses at his East Selkirk farm, including stakes winners Chicago's Gray, Big Nick, and game retiree Rollin Sevens, who is well on his way to a career as a riding horse.
The longtime co-owner of Dave's Quick Print praised Assiniboia Downs' presentation and commitment to horseplayers. "The Downs are doing a great job. I think one of the reasons why they're doing so well with all that betting is because they put on a really good show," he said. "We've got a legitimate 13/16ths mile racetrack and you're not running on those bull rings. It's caught on - and more wagering leads to more wagering."
Premachuk particularly values the track's broadcast presentation, highlighting the work of handicappers Kirt and Stretch. "They give you a lot of insight as a bettor, and they make it really good programming and entertainment," he said. "They try to make fun of themselves and make it a good time. I think that resonates with a lot of people."
With the next tournament set for November 23 and the Handicapper of the Year title on the line, Premachuk will be ramping up with what he does best, watching replays and looking for a hidden edge.
He knows where the finish line is.
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Chicago's Gray winning the 2023 Golden Boy Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Jorge Carreno up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Dalyss Hanson Interviews ASD CEO Darren Dunn
Creator of Swim Lessons Podcast the son of ASD trainer Deb Hanson
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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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Henry S. Witt Jr.'s Charmingly Witt (#3) and jockey Arthur Budhu battle for the lead in the 5th race at ASD on August 12, 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 Week 8
Dolphins over Cardinals (Sunday noon): It's impossible to talk about this and not mention the return of Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after missing the last three games with a concussion. On the football side of things, Miami desperately needs him if they hope to turn their season around. In his absence, the Dolphins have just not found a way to score points. They have averaged a measly nine points per game with a combination of Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, and Tim Boyle at the helm. So, in that sense, Tua will instantly make this team better. But on the personal side of things, I'm sure every one of his family members is pleading for him not to return. While speaking to the media, he was asked if he was going to change his approach or do anything different, and he bascially said no, people take risks every day they leave their houses, it just comes with the territory anytime you step on the field.
Texans over Colts (Sunday noon): I don't even understand how the Colts have won four games up to this point. I guess they can thank Joe Flacco for a couple of those wins. Now their regular QB Anthony Richardson is back, and I actually think that makes them WORSE. What's even more crazy is that Indy actually has a chance to take over first place in the division if they can beat Houston. The Texans are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Packers in what was one of the better games last week. Despite it being back and forth on the scoreboard, Green Bay held Texans QB CJ Stroud to under 100 passing yards and no touchdowns for the first time in his career. The loss of his big-play receiver Nico Collins to a hamstring injury will certainly have an effect on the passing game for Houston, but because Joe Mixon is running the ball so well, I don't think the Colts will give them too much trouble.
Eagles over Bengals (Sunday noon): It's strange that the three Bengals victories this season have come on the road, but those wins were also against three of the worst teams in the league (Giants, Browns, and Panthers). The Eagles should be a tougher task now that they have gotten healthy on offense. The off-season acquisition of Saquon Barkley is certainly looking like it was worth the money they invested to lure him away from the Giants. Last week Barkley ran for 176 yards and one touchdown against his former team as the Eagles took care of the Giants rather easily. If the Bengals want to keep pace with the Steelers and Ravens in their division, they're going to have to start winning some games at home, I just don't think that's going to happen this week.
Last week 2-1
Season overall 14-7
| 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? Visit one of our partner locations listed below or wager at HPIbet.com. Click here for a list of tracks to wager on. |
- Santa Anita - (October 25) - Pick 6 carryover $153,105
- Woodbine (October 25) - Super Hi-5 Jackpot carryover $99,242
- Gulfstream (October 25) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $75,323. Mandatory payout on Saturday, October 26.
See all carryovers here.
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Can't make it to the track to wager?
Watch and wager at one of our off-track betting locations:
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"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group | |
The "I Won Bigg" wagering group will be meeting every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the plaza in the Clubhouse. This week's tracks will be Woodbine, Santa Anita and Los Alamitos. Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information please email Larry. | |
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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In our fourth and final installment of the pictorial history of the Winnipeg Futurity, track photographer, Gerry Hart captured Hugh Jackson in the company of the "Buffie Twins." Who remembers the Buffie Twins, Sherrey, and Shelley?
We have no idea who is who here, but I bet NHL brothers Dave and Wayne Babych could help us out. Jackson’s Frosty Friday finished in the show position behind Le Danseur and Bogey Five on that day, but Jackson looks like he took the loss in stride.
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Huge international presence includes 19 Japan-based horses, 54 Europeans
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Breeders' Cup Classic contender Fierceness working at Saratoga. (Barbara D. Livingston) | |
A total of 212 horses, including three winners from a year ago, one winner from 2022, and a large international cast topped by a record 19 horses from Japan were pre-entered for this year’s Breeders’ Cup, a two-day event consisting of 14 races worth $30 million in purses to be held Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar in Southern California. More from the Daily Racing Form here. | |
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International cast face best in North America in what should be a great betting race
| Japanese runner Derma Sotogake finished second in the 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic, but could be overlooked this year in the presence of more accomplished Japanese runners. (Erika Rasmussen / Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia) | The Breeders' Cup Classic usually draws a field featuring some of the best 3-year-old dirt horses from the Triple Crown season, as well as top older horses, and in recent years the field has taken on an increasingly international makeup. This year’s event continues that trend and then some, as three top Japanese horses, Forever Young, Ushba Tesoro, Derma Sotogake, and Europe’s leading 3-year-old, City of Troy, are expected to run. They’ll match up with top U.S.-based runners Fierceness, Highland Falls, and Sierra Leone in what should be a fantastic betting race. Get to know the horses at America's Best Racing here. | |
Over 200 horses pre-entered for Breeders' Cup, but Moira the lone Canadian bred
| Canadian Horse of the Year Moira edges fellow Horse of the Year Fev Rover (Ire) in the Grade 2 Beverly D. at Colonial Downs on Aug. 11, 2024. (Coady Photography) | Canada’s Queen of racing, Moira, is headed to California on Sunday to prepare for the $2 million Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar on November 2. The Filly & Mare Turf is one of 14 Breeders’ Cup World Championship races to be held on Nov. 1 and 2 with purses totaling $34 million. Horses from a record five continents – Asia, Europe, North America, South Africa, and South America – have targeted this year’s event, but Moira is the only Canadian-bred. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
From June 15, 2023: The Ragens: Born Into Racing
Our history guy dug deep into his treasure trove of racing stories this week for a story about two men who had a combined 130 years of racing experience in the United States and Canada. The elder of these two was one of seven men on hand to celebrate the official opening of Assiniboia Downs under the new ownership headed by President Jim Wright in 1975. Click here for Bob’s story about one of the grand old men of racing and his racing official nephew.
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Upcoming events at ASD
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Lucky Stars - Daily draws for cash at various times throughout the day - more info
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Lucky Spins - Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. - more info
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SCREAM 2024 featuring Fisher - Sunday, October 27 - tickets
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Starting Friday, Nov. 1st - Draws for $200 Cash every Friday, Saturday & Sunday - more info
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Breeders' Cup - Friday, Nov. 1 & Saturday, Nov. 2 - more info
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Inspirations Market - Saturday, Nov. 9 & Sunday, Nov. 10 - more info
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Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, November 23 - more info
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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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