The Inside Track | Issue #152 | October 11, 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!
- 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
- Thanksgiving Buffet - SOLD OUT
- Shelley Brown: A True Horseperson's Farewell
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Week 6
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot in Time: L’Enjoleur
- Rob MacLennan Named Racing Secretary at NYRA
- Economics Joins Fierceness on World Rankings
- Scorching wins Cup & Saucer via DQ
- Best of Bob: My Game
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Player's Choice Tournaments
- Player’s Choice – Saturday, October 19
- 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
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HPI Bonus
Earn 2% Cash back on all eligible wagering over $100 through your HPIbet account on any track on each of the following days: Friday, October 11, Saturday, October 12, Sunday, October 13 & Monday, October 14. Opt-in here.
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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!
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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 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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Thanksgiving Buffet - Sold Out
Sunday, October 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Indulge in a mouthwatering array of traditional Thanksgiving favourites including roast turkey with gravy, baked ham in cream sauce, locally made perogies and meatballs plus all the trimmings, autumn vegetables, mashed potatoes and fresh salads. The dessert table features warm pie and ice cream, ASD’s bourbon bacon brownie and more!
- Adults - $39.95
- Seniors (65+) - $35.95
- Children 6 to 12 - $29.95
- Children 5 & under - $16.95
- Above prices are subject to taxes
The Thanksgiving Buffet is SOLD OUT.
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
Shelley Brown: A True Horseperson's Farewell | Trainer Shelley Brown with her 2-year-old champion Cash Or Card in 2019. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Earlier this week, trainer Shelley Brown crossed her final finish line, but her legacy will reverberate through the grandstand and backstretch forever. At 52, the trailblazing trainer who became the first woman to lead the trainer standings outright at Assiniboia Downs has run her final furlong, leaving behind a stable of memories and a community in mourning.
A Saskatchewan girl, Shelley fell in love with horses thanks to her parents' trips to the track. At 19, she packed her bags and headed to Alberta to work as a groom, learning everything from the ground up in the stalls. She was a natural.
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Shelley Brown became the first female trainer in Assiniboia Downs history to win the leading trainer title outright in 2012. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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In 2009, Shelley took the plunge and began training on her own. Starting out small with just six horses, word of her talent spread quickly. Owners saw how their horses thrived under her care, and soon her stable had grown to 45.
Shelley made history in 2012 when she became the first woman to win the leading trainer title at Assiniboia Downs. It wasn’t easy in a male-dominated sport, but Shelley’s dedication paid off. Her days began at 3 a.m., and on race nights, she stayed until midnight, ensuring every horse was settled and content.
Shelley's horses made 2,656 starts, with 409 wins, 416 second-place finishes, and 423 third-place finishes, earning US$4,303,425. Her top earner, multiple champion mare Golden Stripe, banked $231,078, while stakes winners and champions like Cash Or Card, Can't Use Nellie, Stevie Mac, and most recently McEwen made their marks too, but it was a horse named Real Grace that proved to be more than just a winner for Shelley.
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Real Grace gave Shelley her biggest win when he took the Grade 3 Canadian Derby on September 27, 2020—a victory that came when Shelley needed it most. Earlier that month, she had received devastating news: Stage 4 cancer. What she thought was a shoulder injury turned out to be a life-threatening diagnosis. The doctors gave her only months to live.
But Shelley wasn’t ready to give up. As she started her fight, Real Grace was preparing for the Canadian Derby. Unable to attend, Shelley watched from her hospital bed as Real Grace went to the front at 18-1 and never looked back, holding on gamely in the stretch to win by a neck. For Shelley, the win wasn’t just a victory on the track; it was a reminder to keep fighting.
"That Derby race was a huge contributor for me to dig in and keep going. He dug in, and so have I," she later said, as reported by Curtis Stock in the Canadian Thoroughbred.
Shelley tried everything to beat the cancer—chemo, alternative treatments, special diets—anything she could find, but her best medicine was her attitude. "Attitude will get you more than medicine," she said.
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Real Grace holds on to win the 2020 Canadian Derby (G3) at 18-1. (Coady Photo) | |
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Even when she was sick, Shelley kept showing up. In the end, she faced her battle the same way she trained her horses—with grit and grace. She didn’t go down without a fight.
Shelley didn’t just win races; she won the respect and love of an entire racing community.
For those of us left in the grandstand of life, her story is a reminder of what it means to be a true horseperson. It’s about early mornings, late nights, knowing when to push, and when to ease up. But most of all, it’s about loving the horses through thick and thin, as Shelley did from the start of her career…
To her final photo finish.
Note: A Celebration of Life will be held for Shelley on Wednesday, October 16 at 3:00 p.m. in the Terrace Dining Room at Assiniboia Downs.
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Shelley Brown. Smiling in the face of adversity. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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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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Rachaad Knights is led into the winner's circle aboard Wicked Black Bullet on the final day of the 2024 live race meeting. (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 6
Ravens over Commanders (Sunday noon): This has the potential to be the highest scoring game of the week, and will be the first real test for the Commanders to prove they are a legitimate NFC threat, or just enjoy beating bad teams. Baltimore got into an unexpected shootout with the Bengals last week and needed overtime to secure the victory. Lamar Jackson had one of the best plays I have ever seen, when he fumbled the snap, picked it up, ran to the right, stiff armed a defender, and then proceeded to throw a TD pass, incredible stuff. If the Ravens do have a weakness though, it's their pass defense, where they ranked second last in passing yards allowed per game (280.2). The only team worse than them in that category is Jacksonville. Jayden Daniels didn't have to do too much against the Browns last week, coasting to a very easy 34-14 win, but he, and the rest of the Commanders offense will have to be on their game to keep up on the scoreboard with the Ravens.
Lions over Cowboys (Sunday afternoon): Thanks to the last-minute drive put together by Dak Prescott, "dem boys" pulled off what some might call an upset over the Steelers last Sunday night. They only scored 20 points, but against Pittsburgh, it doesn't take a lot. Battling numerous injuries on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys will now head to Detroit to face the Lions, who are well rested coming off their bye week. If some of you recall, these two teams played each other last season, and there was a controversial call made regarding a touchdown caught by Taylor Decker. For those who might have forgotten, or just didn't see it, I'll post the YouTube link at the end. I do think with the rest, the Lions offense will be too much for the Cowboys defense, who are missing Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and DaRon Bland. Watch the YouTube video here.
Bucs over Saints (Sunday noon): The Saints were the latest victims to fall prey to the undefeated Chiefs last week, losing 26-13 in prime time. To make matters worse, Derek Carr left the game late with an oblique injury that's going to keep him on the shelf for a few weeks. Even though divisional games are usually tougher, I can't see the Saints with Jake Haener at quarterback being able to match points with Baker Mayfield, who is coming off a shootout of his own last Thursday against the Falcons. It's quite remarkable how far Baker has come, from being considered a bust after being drafted first overall by the Browns (who are probably kicking themselves for getting rid of him given their current QB woes) to bouncing around between the Panthers and Rams and then having to essentially replace Tom Brady in Tampa. He is now hitting his full potential with the Bucs and that just goes to show you that sometimes you just have to be in the right situation in order to be your best self.
Last week: 3-0
Season overall: 9-6
| 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. |
- Charles Town (October 11) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $42,146
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 1974 the City of Winnipeg was celebrating its centenary and the 45th running of the Futurity was appropriately named the City of Winnipeg Centennial Futurity. Pictured here is the winner ‘The Coaxer’ but he was better known as L’Enjoleur with the great Sandy Hawley in the irons.
On August 5th the prohibitive 3 to 10 favourite won as he pleased, finishing 12-lengths in front of his closet rival. It had been four short years since his mom, Fanfreluche had won the Manitoba Centennial Derby in front of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. (Gerry Hart Photo).
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Former ASD Handicapper and Paddock Host rises to the top in New York
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Rob MacLennan shown here during his younger days at Assiniboia Downs, has been promoted to Racing Secretary at NYRA. Congratulations Rob! (Facebook photo) | |
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced that Rob MacLennan has been promoted to the position of Racing Secretary. MacLennan joined NYRA in April 2021 as a Racing Official and was most recently serving as Assistant Racing Secretary. He arrived at NYRA with extensive experience in horse racing in Alberta, Canada, having been employed as the Racing Secretary at Century Mile and Century Downs. Prior to that, he worked as an on-air track handicapper and paddock host at Assiniboia Downs in Manitoba, Canada. More from the NYRA here. | |
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Fierceness on top, but Economics a force to watch after Irish Champion Stakes
| Economics returns after winning the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. (Katsumi Saito) | After his defeat of 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) winner Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) Sept. 14, Economics joined the top 5 in the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings released Oct. 10. And this is definitely a horse putting on your radar. More from the Blood Horse here. | |
Ashley's Archer won the Cup & Saucer by a nose, but Casse trainee disqualified
| Patrick Husbands guides #3 Scorching (Royal Blue Silks on rail) to victory over #1, Ashley's Archer (pink silks, disqualified) in the 87th Running of the $250,000 Cup & Saucer Stakes. (Woodbine/ Michael Burns Photo) | Ashley's Archer was disqualified and placed fifth in the $250,000 Cup & Saucer Stakes at Woodbine last weekend. Jockey Patrick Husbands allowed Scorching to glide up the inside and the bay colt appeared to be on his way to victory. Dewolf moved wide to challenge and Ashley’s Archer under Sofia Vives angled out to split horses, but in the process cut off the filly Ready for Candy. Ashley’s Archer rallied hard and got up for a nose victory but it wasn’t long before the inquiry sign went up. A few minutes later, Ashley’s Archer was disqualified. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
From September 3, 2017: My Game: The Big Grey Gelding From North Dakota
Is it even possible for a 5-year-old maiden to win at first asking -- and then win half of his lifetime starts? It must be, or is Bob pulling our leg? Does anyone remember the most consistent and capable horses to ever run at the Downs? See them here.
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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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Thanksgiving Buffet - Sunday, Oct. 13 - more info - SOLD OUT
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Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, October 19 - 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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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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