ASSINIBOIA DOWNS
The Inside Track | Issue #50 | October 21, 2022
  • Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • VLTs, Race Carrels and Tables are sanitized between customer use.
In this edition . . .
  • What's happening at the Downs?
  • Friday & Saturday Dining Specials
  • New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance
  • Stewin Wins Tourney with No Longshots
  • 2022 in Photos -- Part 2
  • Wpg 19+ Adult Expo & Market
  • Halfinthewrapper Sets New Track Record
  • Off-Track Betting Locations
  • Photo of the Week -- Naherniak & Nault
  • Lava Man to take Breeders' Cup Bow
  • Dettori named on Moira for Breeders' Cup
  • "I Won Bigg" Betting Group
  • Carryover Watch
  • TravyFootball Week 7 Predictions
  • Snapshot in Time - The Paddock Club
  • The Best of Bob - Tribute to a Fallen Hero
  • Upcoming Events
Do the Downs!
SPIN TO WIN THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS IN THE CLUB WEST GAMING LOUNGE - Enter at the VLT cage every Thursday and Friday for a chance to spin the wheel to win up to $100 cash! Draws will be made every 30 minutes starting at noon.
PLAYER'S CHOICE ONLINE HANDICAPPING TOURNAMENTS:

  • Saturday, November 12
  • Saturday, December 10

Entry fee: $25. Bankroll: $60. Place 10 ($2 WPS) wagers on any North American harness or thoroughbred race that takes place on the contest day. You must have a Manitoba HPI account to participate. Deadline to enter is the Friday prior to each of the tournament dates by 4 p.m. Entry form. Rules. Current Handicapper of the Year standings.
BREEDERS' CUP 2022
Friday, Nov. 4 at 10:55 a.m. & Saturday, Nov. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

  • The Breeders' Cup Advance DRF will be available for purchase from the program kiosks on Friday, October 28.
  • ASD Live Breeders' Cup Handicapping Show. Watch Thursday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. on our YouTube channel here.
  • 3% cash back on all eligible wagering on all tracks Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5. Minimum wagered $1,000 and maximum deposit $100. ($2.10 payouts are not eligibile). Wagers must be placed on your HPI account.
  • Free programs & DRF for both Friday and Saturday's Keeneland cards. They will be available at all locations the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 2 (except McPhillips and Club Regent).
  • Breeders' Cup Brunch at Assiniboia Downs. $24.95. See menu here. Served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For reservations call 204-885-3330.
  • Draws for a Breeders' Cup merchandise package at all locations (except McPhllips and Club Regent).
Dining at Assiniboia Downs
HAPPY HOUR - Daily from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close
  • 6 oz. House Wine - $4.50
  • House Spirits - $4.50
  • Domestic Beer - $4.50
  • Fireball - $4.50
  • Downs Caesar - $5.50
  • Pint Longshot Lager - $5.50
  • Poutine - $8.00
  • Onion Rings - $8.00
  • Chicken Fingers - $9.00
  • Cheese Nachos - $9.00
  • All Day NFL Sunday Special - Regular Wings $10 (all day Sunday only)

All of the above specials are dine-in only.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER & SNACKS
The Club West Dining Room and Lounge is open daily at 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages. Our menu includes favourites such as chicken wings, pizza, chipotle mozza burger (pictured), steak sandwich or bacon and eggs plus much more! See the full menu here.
FRIDAY STEAK SPECIAL - $24.95 - 8 oz. top Sirloin charbroiled and seasoned with our smoky dry rub. Served with vegetables and choice of mashed potatoes or french fries. Served from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

PRIME RIB SATURDAY SPECIAL - $29.95 - Our signature Certified Angus Prime Rib (8 oz.) served with vegetables and choice of mashed potatoes or french fries, horseradish and Yorkshire pudding au jus. Served from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Reservations are not required.
New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance
Saturday, December 31 - Main Floor Ballroom
  • A fabulous buffet from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. featuring our renowned Certified Angus Prime Rib. See menu here.
  • Late lunch served
  • Dancing until 2:00 a.m.
  • Door prizes
  • Party favours 
  • DJ music & lights
  • Free coat check
  • Tickets $79.95 plus taxes & gratuities. Call 204-885-3330
At The Post with G.S. Thompson
Stan Stewin wins October Handicapping Tourney with No Longshots
Retired Grain Buyer Picks 6 Winners, Hits Board with All Picks
October Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament winner Stan Stewin is making a strong bid for the Handicapper of the Year title for the second year in a row.
Can you win a handicapping contest with no longshots? You sure can! And Stan Stewin just did it.
 
The 65-year-old retired former grain buyer won the October Player’s Choice Handicapping Tournament by picking six winners, the longest priced being 7-1, and turning his $60 bankroll into $91.80 to defeat 48 of our best handicappers and take home $1000 in prize money, a trophy and bragging rights.
 
Stewin bested second-place finisher Alan Hampton ($88.10 bankroll) by $3.70. Rounding out the top five were Barry Mymko ($83.30), Larry Liebrecht ($79.20) and Cecelia Liebrecht ($78.90).
 
Any of our local handicappers who finished out of the top five can take some solace in the fact that you’re still among the smartest people on the planet according to an article sent to us by former ASD handicapping analyst and VP of Marketing at Delta 9 Marshall Posner, that says people with a higher IQ are more likely to bet on horse racing.
 
But, as most of you already know, there’s more to it than that, including a little luck. One of Stewin’s selections was disqualified and placed second, but he still managed to nail winners paying $9.80. $6.80, $3.10, $3.60, $2.90 and $16.10. And all of Stewin’s picks finished in the top three.
 
Stewin’s highest-priced winner was Kentucky Ghost in the fifth race at Keeneland, and the pick was based on closing fractions on the turf. One of Stewin’s best plays of the day, Kentucky Ghost came flying in the stretch from last to first to win. Stewin also likes to bet the dominant speed in short sprints, and he said he was disappointed he missed former ASD stakes winner Halfinthewrapper, who set a new track record in the fourth race at Woodbine on Saturday and paid $6.60.
 
Stewin does serious homework before making his plays, as evidenced by the spreadsheet he sent us. Compiled by himself, his brother Ken and son MacKenzie, the spreadsheet details tracks, post times, selections, odds and payoffs. Ken and MacKenzie finished back in the pack in the tourney and we asked Stan what they said to him after the tourney.
 
“We don’t speak,” he laughed.
 
Stewin wasn’t expecting such low prices on his winning horses, some of which he had played in advance based on their morning line, and he was a bit surprised he was still able to win the tourney, but six winners and four horses in the top three were enough to get the job done. Still, it was a lesson in waiting until as close to post time as possible and checking the odds before placing your bets. 
 
It was Stewin’s second win in the tournament, having first won it last December. The victory also moved him into third place in the overall standings in the race for the Handicapper of the Year title, which includes $3,500 in prize money. With only the November and December tournaments left on the schedule, Stewin currently has 233 points in the Handicapper of the Year standings, behind only Darcy Penner (242) and Ralph Gelardi (234).
 
Stewin came on strong late last year to finish second in the Handicapper of the Year standings and this might just be his year to break through. It certainly won’t be for lack of trying. Stewin, his brother and son, buy the programs on Thursday and spend at least 10 hours handicapping the races, making selections and compiling their spreadsheet.
 
“I hope I get to talk to you again,” said Stewin.
 
Which would mean…
2022 at ASD in Photos -- Part 2
Track Photographer Jason Halstead shares 25 of his favourite photos from the 2022 live racing season. Thanks Jason!
Trainer Michael Nault and grooms Olive Johnston (left) and Charlotte Johnson smile as they watch Dixie Mo win Race 3 on Aug. 17. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
An all-out battle for second place in Race 5 on Aug. 17, with jockey Jorge Carreno on Outclassedyou (#1) finishing ahead of jockey Prayven Badrie on Sea of Life (#8). (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
A little rain couldn't keep members of the race party "IDEAL Night for Racing" from meeting ASD pony-rider Joanie Hamilton and her mount after Race 4 on Aug. 23. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Now those are happy smiles! Trainer Michael Nault and jockey Renaldo Cumberbatch celebrating their victory in the Osiris Stakes with Lady Cop on Aug. 29. (George Williams Photo)
Jockey Shavon Belle aboard Fulkerson (#6) heads down the stretch in a three-pack in Race 7 on Sept. 5. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Manitoba-bred champion Hidden Grace walks into retirement with groom Richie Ricketts and trainer Lise Pruitt after winning the final race of her career at Assiniboia Downs on Sept. 7, the $40,000 Distaff Stakes. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Jockey Antonio Whitehall gives Lucky Chuckee a pat while groom Roy Fedee holds on after winning the 53rd running of the $40,000 J. W. Sifton Memorial on Sept. 13. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Trainer Steven Gaskin gets a kiss from wife Jessica after scoring his 100th career victory on Sept. 20 with Diane's Wish. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Jockey Jorge Carreno is surrounded by smiles and laughter after winning the sixth race aboard Henrisincontrol on Sept. 20 to complete the hat trick on the night. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Jockey Renaldo Cumberbatch aboard Yola (#3) narrowly holds on to defeat Tyrone Nelson aboard Mark Ye Well (#6) and Neville Stephenson aboard Out On Sunday (#2) in Race 7 on Sept. 20. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Maybe Sometime lets off some steam after winning Race 7 on a chilly Sept. 26. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Impressive Sense and jockey Renaldo Cumberbatch head into the winner’s circle after the 7th race on Sept. 27 after one of the gamest performances of the year at ASD. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
Wpg 19+ Adult Expo & Market plus the Naughty Halloween Party
Two amazing events at Assiniboia Downs!
For more information and tickets click here.
La Verendrye Stakes Winner Sets New Track Record at Woodbine
Halfinthewrapper, shown here winning the La Verendrye Stakes on June 22 for trainer Mike Taphorn, jockey Neville Stephenson and owner Lets Dance Stable, set a new track record in the fourth race at Woodbine on October 15. The 5-year-old mare by Great Notion went five furlongs on the all-weather surface in 56.26 seconds for trainer Philip Hall with Sahin Civaci in the saddle for the same owner, Lets Dance Stable. Congratulations! Update submitted by Halfinthewrapper's former owner Tony Tweed. Thanks Tony! (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK TO WAGER?
Watch and wager at one of our off-track betting locations:

  • Canad Inns Windsor Park - 1034 Elizabeth Road
  • Green Brier Inn - 1611 Main Street
  • Rookies at Central Hotel - 201 Melrose Avenue East
  • Quest Inn - 367 Ellice Avenue
  • McPhillips Station Casino - 484 McPhillips Street
  • Club Regent Casino - 1425 Regent Ave W
  • Nor-Villa Motor Hotel - 1763 Henderson Hwy
  • Club 3D - 3317 Portage Avenue
  • Wager 24/7 at HPIbet.com
Photo of the Week
A blast from the past! Current ASD trainer Mike Nault up for former ASD trainer turned owner/breeder Gary Naherniak. In 1984! Thanks to Gary Naherniak for the photo.
Do you have an interesting photo you would like showcased in an upcoming newsletter? Email us at [email protected].
In The News
Hall of Famer will retire from life as a pony with Team O'Neill
Lava Man (outside) comes back to win his third straight Hollywood Gold Cup in 2007 with Corey Nakatani in the saddle. (Benoit Photo)
Racing fans who attend the Breeders' Cup World Championships will get to see more than history made by active runners Nov. 4-5 at Keeneland. They'll also witness the final chapter of Hall of Famer Lava Man's second career as a stable pony for Team O'Neill. The 22-year-old Grade 1 winner will lead Hot Rod Charlie over for the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) before heading to pasture at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm near Georgetown, Ky. More from the BloodHorse here.
Canadian-owned X-Men Racing have named legendary jockey Frankie Dettori on their star filly and 2-year-old filly Last Call
Moira winning the Woodbine Oaks. (Michael Burns Photo)
Moira, the "Queen" of Canadian racing in 2022 based on her scintillating Queen’s Plate victory, will be among the pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at Keeneland on November 5. Pre-entries for the Breeders Cup World Championships are due Monday, October 24 for the two-day racing extravaganza, now entering its 39th edition. More from Jennifer Morrison at the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
"I Won Bigg" Betting Group
Join the "I Won Bigg" betting group this Saturday in the Clubhouse as they discuss the early Pick-5 at Woodbine. Everyone is welcome. Can't make it out? Email Larry at [email protected].
Carryover Watch
  • Woodbine (October 21) - Jackpot Hi-5 carryover $368,060
  • Parx (October 24) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $154,275
  • Horseshoe Indianapolis (October 19) - Pick 6 Jackpot carryover $110,303

MANDATORY PAYOUT ALERT: Hastings Park will have a mandatory payout of their Jackpot Pick 5 (current carryover $26,783) and Jackpot Pick 6 pools (current carryover $20,063) on their final day of racing, this Saturday, Oct. 22.

See all carryovers here.
Top NFL Picks by TravyFootball: Week 7
Giants over Jags (Sunday noon): I don’t think one single person (myself included) expected the New York Giants to be 5-1 at this point in the season. Heck, I don't think many had the Giants winning five games all season, period. They've certainly exceeded expectations and have done it with basically the same team as last year. The biggest difference would be new head coach Brian Daboll, who came over from Buffalo in the off season. It’s amazing what a good coach can do to motivate players and get the best out of them even if they aren’t the most talented group in the league. Giants games are definitely not pretty to watch, and this one probably won’t be either, but they keep finding ways to get the job done. Credit to Mr. Daboll for turning this ship around quickly. 
 
Dolphins over Steelers (Sunday night): After getting clearance from multiple doctors across the country, passing every concussion test possible, and just overall feeling good, Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa will make his return after missing the last two and a half games with a concussion. It will be debated till the ends of the earth whether he should or shouldn’t be playing, but I’m sure the Dolphins will welcome him back with open arms considering they have gone on a three-game losing streak since he was injured. No offense to backups Teddy Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson, but if this team wants to get back on track, they need Tua to play. Speaking of injured QBs, the Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett suffered a concussion of his own last week after playing fairly well against Tom Brady and the Bucs. At the time of this writing, he hasn’t cleared the concussion protocol, but coach Mike Tomlin said if he can clear it in time, he will start against the Dolphins. 
 
49ers over Chiefs (Sunday afternoon): The revenge game I have personally been waiting two years for. My injury riddled 49ers take on the Chiefs in a rematch of Super Bowl LIV.  Both teams are coming off disappointing losses last week and are hoping to avoid a two-game losing streak. As I mentioned earlier, the 49ers are decimated by injuries, but they're hoping to get a couple of key players, Trent Williams and Nick Bosa, back on the offensive and defensive lines. If they stick to what they do best, which is run the ball, it would help control the clock, and more importantly, keep Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on the sidelines. The Chiefs aren’t quite as potent as they were when these teams met in the Super Bowl, but they still can put up points almost at will. 
 
Last week (2-1)
Overall (12-6) 
A Snapshot in Time
By Track Historian Bob Gates
In May 1968 the Downs featured what they called the "Paddock Club" every Saturday afternoon. The master of ceremonies was veteran horseman Tommy Sumner. The purpose of the club was explain to fans the many aspects of racing. In addition, jockeys and racing officials were interviewed and fans were given cards on which they could pose questions to the guests. (Gerry Hart photo)
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates

This was Bob’s final installment for the 2020 racing season. He concluded the year’s blog stories with a tribute to a fallen hero we lost in 2020. He was a grandson of the mighty Northern Dancer, a winner of the Canadian Derby and a multiple stakes winner at the Downs. Your guess? Click here to learn more about this local champion who always gave his very best. (From September 2020)
Upcoming events at ASD
  • Manitoba Art Expo - Friday, October 21 thru Sunday, Oct. 23 - more info
  • Wpg 19+ Adult Expo & Market - Friday, Oct. 28 & Saturday, Oct. 29 - more info
  • Naughty Halloween Party - Friday, Oct. 28 - more info
  • Breeders' Cup from Keeneland - Friday, Nov. 4 & Saturday, Nov. 5 - more info
  • Inspiration Craft Market - Friday Nov. 4 & Saturday, Nov. 5 - more info
  • Inspiration Craft Market - Friday, Nov. 11 & Saturday, Nov. 12 - more info
  • Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, Nov.12 - more info
  • Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament - Saturday, Dec. 10 - more info
  • New Year's Eve Gala - Saturday, December 31 - more info
Feedback
We would love to hear from you! Email your comments and/or suggestions to [email protected].
The Inside Track Archives
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