The Inside Track | Issue #165 | Friday, January 3, 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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ASD 2025 Live Race Dates
- Live racing starts Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Click here for schedule.
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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!
- Randy Premachuk Crowned Handicapper of the Year
- Mel Peddle Wins Final Player's Choice Tourney of 2024
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Week 18
- Wagering, Betting Bonuses & More
- A Snapshot in Time: Taboga
- Ontario-bred Mansetti Takes on 7 in Jerome Stakes
- Springboard Mile Winner Coal Battle 9/2 in Smarty Jones
- Top 10 Races of 2024. Thrillers & Comebacks.
- Best of Bob: Happy 50th Barbara Jo!
- 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. 1 - Sweet Tusk - $1,000
Dec. 31 - Viracocha - $1,000
Dec. 31 - Viracocha - $1,500
Dec. 31 - Fu Dai Panda - $1,208
Dec. 31 - Viracocha - $1,250
Dec. 31 - Big City 5's - $1,015
Dec. 31 - Viracocha - $1,255
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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.
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 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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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.
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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Randy Premachuk Crowned 2024 Handicapper of the Year
Veteran handicapper and horse owner edges Darcy Penner to win coveted title
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2024 Handicapper of the Year Randy Premachuk with 2023 ASD Champion Sprinter Chicago's Gray | |
Randy Premachuk has been studying the horses at Assiniboia Downs for over three decades, but 2024 brought him an achievement that had previously eluded him - the coveted Handicapper of the Year title.
After years of coming close, including a fourth place finish last year, Premachuk finally captured the crown with a consistent performance throughout the season. The veteran handicapper clinched the title on Saturday with a 15th place finish and 29 points in the final Player's Choice tournament of the year, accumulating a season total of 273 points to edge out runner-up Darcy Penner's 267 points. Alan Hampton and Trevor Phelps tied for third in the standings with 241 points each.
Premachuk won $3,500, a trophy, and the bragging rights that go with the much sought-after championship honours, defeating an average field of 50 great handicappers in the year-long battle that takes contestants' best seven scores. His winning total of 273 points was notably higher than previous years' winning scores. Penner received $500 for his second-place finish, while Hampton and Phelps each took home $250.
The drama was heightened going into the final tournament, with Trevor Phelps still having a mathematical chance to claim the title. "Trevor needed to have a really good day," said Premachuk, but it turned out to be a very tough day for longshot players.
"After about five picks on Saturday, I just figured you weren't going to need a lot of money to win," said Premachuk, who managed his remaining picks carefully as favourites dominated the day. "Every race is different, every scenario is different, you just have to adapt."
A longtime horse owner and racing enthusiast who operates a hobby farm in East Selkirk with nine horses, Premachuk has developed what he playfully calls "Randycapping" -- an approach to handicapping that draws on years of playing the horses and lessons learned from fellow handicappers. His system emphasizes focusing on just three or four tracks rather than trying to handicap everything.
"I’ve had my best days when I concentrate on three or four tracks," he explained. "If you can look at the other tracks and have some idea about what's going on there, that's great. But if you start trying to look at seven or eight different tracks simultaneously while the contest is on, that gets a little difficult and stressful."
His approach starts with analyzing speed factors and race setup. "The first thing I'm always trying to do is see who the speed horses are,” said Premachuk. “Is there a lone speed horse, is there going to be a speed duel? How is the race going to set up? Then I like to eliminate horses and get down to four or five contenders."
When he's not handicapping races, Premachuk works for Dave's Quick Print, where he recently sold his ownership shares but maintains his long-standing role with the company. He's also been a part-owner of horses for over 30 years, giving him valuable insight into the racing industry from multiple angles.
Looking ahead, Premachuk plans to put some of his winnings toward an 85-inch TV for his newly renovated basement, creating a space where he can gather with fellow handicappers to watch races. The social aspect of handicapping is something he particularly values.
"It's an activity you can join with friends from all walks of life and age," he said. "Like anything else, it takes imagination. You have to imagine different scenarios, and it's fun. And Assiniboia Downs does a great job."
The year-long championship race demonstrated Premachuk's consistency, with his 273 points averaging nearly 40 points per tournament over his best seven results - equivalent to averaging around fourth place in fields of 50 tough competitors. While proud of his achievement, he still sees room for improvement.
"You can't be upset when a horse doesn't come in," he said, sharing his philosophy about handling the inevitable ups and downs of handicapping. "When you're playing a horse and you have some confidence that it's going to run a really good race - that's what you want to play. You might not know he's going to win, but you know he's going to run well and he's going to be somewhere."
The Handicapper of the Year title held special meaning for Premachuk as he remembered his late friend David Blake, a former champion who had encouraged him to pursue the title. "Dave said to me, 'Randy, you got to win this thing,'" Premachuk recalled with emotion. "He's looking down at me right now and saying…
'Randy, you did it.'"
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Mel Peddle Wins Final Player's Choice Tourney of 2024
2019 winner gets second tourney win on tough day for longshot players
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Mel Peddle won the December Player's Choice Tournament on a tough day for longshots | |
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Mel Peddle won the final Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament of the year last Saturday on what was one of the toughest days we've ever seen for longshot players.
Peddle had to build his bankroll to only $75.10 to best his competition and win the $1,000 first prize, finishing $2.80 ahead of runner-up Roger Jones ($72.30), followed by David Smook ($70.50), Darcy Penner ($69.10) and Brad Kinnear ($66.50).
The path to Peddle's victory began nearly seven decades ago, just blocks from Toronto's historic Greenwood Racetrack.
"I would have been four or five going to Greenwood," said the 74-year-old Peddle, who learned the intricacies of handicapping from his father. "We used to go there almost every weekend, either Saturday or Sunday, the whole family."
Peddle’s father had various systems that he claimed would "guarantee" wins, including one that involved counting lengths behind for horses that finished first or second in their previous two races. While those systems didn't always deliver on their promises, they taught young Mel the fundamentals of handicapping.
"I had four winners, two seconds and one third," said Peddle, whose biggest return was a relatively modest $17 winner. "I almost fell over when I got the notification that I won. I didn't expect to win with that amount. I expected it to be closer to a hundred."
It marked Peddle's second tournament victory, who last won the tournament in 2019. Now residing in Mariapolis, Manitoba, about two hours outside Winnipeg, Peddle has been competing in the local tournaments for around 15 years.
"I like it when a decent horse is shortening up," said Peddle. "And a horse dropping down in class as well." For finding longshots, he relies more on intuition: "I just get a gut feeling most of the time."
The tournament threw participants a curveball when Oaklawn Park, Peddle's intended focus track, cancelled after just one race. He pivoted successfully to other tracks, collecting winners at Laurel, Santa Anita, and Fair Grounds.
A former bookbinder who moved to Winnipeg in 1976, Peddle maintains his connection to racing through online play and occasional visits to the track. He even owns small shares in several horses, including a micro-stake in Kentucky Derby winner Authentic through MyRacehorse.com.
When not handicapping, the septuagenarian keeps active - he rode his motorcycle to Vancouver Island last year and still enjoys regular card games of Rummoli with family. But it's the challenge of handicapping that keeps drawing him back to racing.
"I think mostly it's the thrill of getting it right," said Peddle. "But Assiniboia Downs makes it fun for people too. And of course, the money doesn't hurt either."
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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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Jockey Antonio Whitehall was all smiles after winning the Taboga Overnight Stakes on June 4 aboard star Manitoba-bred Melisandre for trainer Lise Pruitt and owners True North Thoroughbreds and Arnason Farms. (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 18
Steelers over Bengals (Saturday night): The Steelers will look to halt their three-game losing streak as the red-hot Cincinnati Bengals come to town, hoping to sneak into the playoffs. The Bengals need to beat Pittsburgh, coupled with losses by the Broncos and Dolphins, to claim that final playoff spot in the AFC. It took some late-game heroics in overtime to beat the Broncos last week, but this team’s biggest weakness is, and always has been, their defense. Luckily for them, it seems like Joe Burrow and the offense can score at will and put up 30 points whenever they want. That said, the Steelers’ defense will get back on track and put an end to any hope the Bengals have of reaching the postseason.
Vikings over Lions (Sunday night): This will be the game of the week, with first place in the NFC on the line. The Vikings were well on their way to blowing out the Packers last week, leading 27-10 heading into the 4th quarter. But, just like the first time they played, the Vikings took their foot off the gas and let Green Bay get within two points. In the end, they held on for a 27-25 victory to set up the Sunday night showdown with Detroit. If the Vikings want that number one seed, their defense cannot have a repeat of last week, because the Lions’ offense is quite the juggernaut and will make them pay for any missed opportunities. Sam Darnold has exceeded expectations, and I think the Vikings NEED to re-sign him in the offseason. It’s so hard to find a good quarterback, and more importantly, it’s extremely hard to find the RIGHT quarterback. I know they drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round this past April, but he’s still recovering from a knee injury that wiped out his season. Plus, he has suddenly become trade bait for another team looking for a franchise quarterback.
49ers over Cardinals (Sunday noon): The last hurrah for my 49ers this year... sigh. It’s strange talking about San Francisco not being in the playoffs this year, as they fell well short of expectations. Last week, even though they were severely undermanned, they gave the Lions a good run for their money, going back and forth with the league’s highest-scoring offense. However, costly interceptions by Brock Purdy and two missed field goals by Jake Moody were too much for San Francisco to overcome. To make matters worse, Purdy injured his arm near the end of the game and is out for the season finale. It looks like Josh “The Passtronaut” Dobbs will get the start against one of his old teams. There’s nothing on the line here other than bragging rights and future draft position, but I hope San Francisco can do me a solid and at least end the season with a victory!
Last two weeks: 6-0
Season overall 34-17
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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
- Gulfstream (January 3) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $240,538. Mandatory payout on Sunday, January 5.
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.
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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. 4 - Jerome (Aqu) - 10 points
- Jan. 4 - Smarty Jones (OP) - 10 points
- Jan. 18 - Lecomte (FG) - 20 points
- Jan. 25 - Southwest (OP) - 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. 7. | |
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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Now that we’ve all moved our calendars to 2025. let's reflect on horses from 1975. Over the next five weeks we’ll remember some runners from 50 years ago! How does that happen?
First up is Taboga. In 1975 Taboga had her best year, earning $20,507 with 6 wins and 5 seconds from 13 starts. Trainer Glen Ball’s chestnut mare was a true beauty. The winner of the Wheat City Handicap, Manitoba Maturity, and Inaugural Handicap raced when there wasn’t a good place to run a quality mare, so she often found herself taking on the boys, but she more than held her own.
Owner Wescana Stables believed their multiple stakes winner was royalty, a regular princess, and the smooth, long-striding champion was definitely one of the best mares to ever race at the Downs. (Gerry Hart photo)
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Ontario-bred won the Clarendon Stakes at Woodbine in his most recent start
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Leo Salles guides Mansetti to victory in the $150,000 Clarendon Stakes. Mansetti is owned by Al and Bill Ulwelling and trained by Kevin Attard. (Woodbine/ Michael Burns Photo) | |
Ontario-bred Mansetti will tackle seven rivals in Saturday’s $150,000 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct. The one-mile dirt race is the first Kentucky Derby prep race of 2025 on the NYRA circuit, and offers 10-5-3-2-1 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Mansetti is coming off a win in the $150,000 Clarendon Stakes against Canadian breds on Nov. 24 over Woodbine’s Tapeta. Go Canada! More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
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Brad Cox seeks fourth Smarty Jones victory in five years with Hot Property
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Coal Battle, shown here winning the Springboard Mile at Remington Park, has been listed at 9/2 for Saturday's Smarty Jones Stakes. (Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park) | One year ago, the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park served as the introduction to the Kentucky Derby trail for eventual winner Mystik Dan. Eight newly turned 3-year-olds will attempt to embark on the same path this Saturday, led by Advent Stakes winner Kale's Angel and Springboard Mile winner Coal Battle. More from the Blood Horse here. |
Top 10 Races of 2024
Thrillers, Comebacks, and Powerhouse Performances
| There were some thrilling races in 2024. Here is one racing fan’s highly subjective list of the top 10 races, with videos, the criteria being stretch battles, close finishes, or exceptional performances in stakes races run at the highest level of competition. We hope you had a great year, and let's hope 2025 is even better! More from America's Best Racing here. | |
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
From May 16, 2019: Happy 50th Barbara Jo!
Who was the first female jockey to receive a licence on the North American continent, to score a victory at a recognized track in the USA, and to win a race at a recognized pari-mutuel track in Canada? Hint: On May 16th, 50 years ago, she rode in the first race season-opener in 1969 at the Downs. Bonus question: Does anyone remember the name of her horse? Check your answers here.
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Upcoming Events at ASD
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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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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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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
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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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