The Inside Track | Issue #168 | Friday, January 24, 2025 | |
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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2025 Horsepeople Info
- Stakes Schedule - click here
- Stall Application - 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!
- Manitoba/Saskatchewan Stallion Update
- Sincere Condolences: ASD Alumni
- Stretch Picks the Pegasus
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- TravyFootball Conference Championships
- Wagering, Betting Bonuses & More
- A Snapshot in Time: Macale
- Pegasus World Cup Cheat Sheet
- Exotic Plays: Pegasus World Cup Turf
- Canadians Down South
- Best of Bob: Pagan Star
- 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:
January 22 - Keno - $1,400
January 18 - Wild Life - $1,030
January 18 - Wild Life - $2,451
January 18 - Wild Life - $1,200
January 18 - Wild Life - $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! | |
$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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New Manitoba sire Following Sea wins the 2021 Vosburgh Stakes at Aqueduct. |
There are 16 stallions that could participate in the CTHS Manitoba Breeders' program, which features lucrative bonuses for stallions, breeders and Manitoba-bred runners.
Stallion owners have until the end of the month to register for the program, and we urge them to do so. We received an email last week that mentioned five more stallions that might be registering for the program, and that would bring the Manitoba sire list to a whopping 21!
Once we have the official list, we will start profiling all the stallions, highlighting their pedigrees, race records and top progeny.
Stay tuned!
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Sincere Condolences
Leona Marie Stahl
(February 27, 1963 - January 17, 2025)
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Leona Stahl, a dedicated and respected figure in Manitoba's racing community, passed away on January 17, 2025.
Leona built her career at Assiniboia Downs, working with notable trainers Sandy McPherson and Emile Corbel, and later as the farm manager for K-5 Stables, which she helped develop into an award-winning operation. Her expertise in horse care, foaling, and stable management helped maintain K-5's reputation for excellence.
Despite the physical demands of the job, Leona's devotion to equine health and safety never wavered.
Leona's warmth touched many in the racing community, from organizing holiday meals for track workers to hosting legendary BBQs and track gatherings. Her infectious laugh and dedication to thoroughbred racing will be deeply missed by the Manitoba racing community.
Leona leaves behind her daughter Meigan, grandchildren Elizabeth and Tommy, and countless friends from her decades at the track. Our sincere condolences to Leona’s family, friends, and the horses who loved her.
Read Leona's full obituary here.
Assiniboia Downs would also like to offer condolences to the families of Myles Flaman, former ASD trainer, Wayne Armstrong, former ASD Race Secretary and Terry Alderson, former ASD trainer and jockey's agent, who all passed away recently.
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Stretch Headed to Florida for Pegasus World Cup Invitational
Locked, White Abarrio his top picks, but a few longshots are intriguing
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The better or worse half (you pick) of ASD Live’s famed Kirt and Stretch handicapping dynamic duo, Stretch will be at Gulfstream Park this Saturday for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, so he decided to give us his thoughts on the race.
“One key thing to understand about the Pegasus, is that it’s an invitation only,” said Stretch. “This is a major factor, as some horses may have been invited based on what they have done in the past, not current form. So the horses I’ll focus on are those with good recent form
“For starters, there will be some early pace. The need-the-lead horse is Saudi Crown. If you think he clears and gets a breather, he has a shot at an upset. His morning-line is 9-2, I would need at least 6-1 to take a shot on him.
"Skippylongstocking isn’t a need-the-lead type, but must be in the second or third spot early to have a shot, if the pace is slow early, maybe he has a chance. He does have three wins at Gulfstream Park and five wins at the distance. His morning line is 10-1. I’d need 12-1 at least. With 12 runners expected, if no one scratches, the closers should also get a fair pace to run at.
“Who do I like? Locked is my top selection, he is the NOW horse and on the upswing. He continues to get better with each start, and if you watch his last replay, when the rider asks him in the stretch he picks it up a notch. He even had another gear late getting to the wire. The extra distance should only help him.
“The other horse I will use as a top candidate for the win is White Abarrio. His trainer has this horse set up for a top effort on Saturday. He should sit in fourth or fifth and when the rider says go, which is usually on the far turn, he should make a good move. His top effort puts him right there.
“Other horses to talk about? Stronghold at 10-1. He’s not a win candidate, as he has too many seconds for me, and if you watch ASD LIVE you know I don’t like horses like that, although Kirt might. Stronghold has the figures, but he’s more of an exacta or trifecta play.
“I did mention horses that got invited based on past form, and Mystik Dan would be exactly that. I probably won’t use him, but the talk in the backstretch based on his morning workouts is that he may be ready for a better effort this time.
“Good luck!”
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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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Happy groom Hanna Kraychuk leads Gee I'm Foxy out of the winner's circle after her victory in the Graduation Stakes last summer at ASD for trainer Jared Brown and owner Railside Stables. (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 Conference Championships
Eagles over Commanders (Sunday afternoon): When the season started, I couldn't imagine anyone having the Commanders being in the NFC Championship game based on their lack of production last year. After only winning four games, a complete rebuild brought on by a new owner, a new coach, and a dynamic new quarterback, has Washington one victory away from their first Super Bowl appearance since 1992.
Jayden Daniels is having one of the best rookie seasons ever. He's very calm and poised, but the biggest thing working in his favour is that he's not turning the ball over. As seen last week, turnovers can literally be the difference between a win and a loss, which is why Detroit and Baltimore are no longer in the playoffs.
Standing in the Commanders' way are their division rivals, the Eagles. Philly flew out of the gate last week, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. After that, it was a bit of a back-and-forth matchup with the Rams, but then it started snowing. Like I mentioned last week, teams that play in warm weather do not play well in cold elements. All of a sudden, the Rams were fumbling the ball and dropping passes. Once again, Los Angeles could not stop Saquon Barkley, who had yet another 200-yard rushing game against that defense.
The Eagles will once again have to lean on Saquon, because their passing game has been quite underwhelming. I don't know what the forecast is for the game, but if it snows again, Philly will punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
Chiefs over Bills (Sunday night): There will be a lot of adopted Bills fans on Sunday evening, as the Chiefs have become the biggest villains in sports. Once Tom Brady retired, everyone probably thought (FINALLY! Somebody else can win now), but then along came a guy named Patrick Mahomes.
Making their unprecedented seventh straight AFC Championship appearance, Mahomes will face a familiar foe in the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo has won the last few regular-season matchups, but Kansas City has won the matchups that mattered most in the playoffs.
I'm really hoping this game is just a complete blowout one way or another because I'm getting pretty tired of people complaining about the refs and how everything always goes in the Chiefs' favour. Nobody seems to want to give Kansas City credit for being a great team, and the laziest excuse is to just blame the refs.
I do think this will come down to turnovers, something these teams haven't been doing in the playoffs, but it only takes one fumble or one interception at a pivotal moment to swing the game.
Last week: 3-0
Playoffs overall: 5-1
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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.
Carryover Watch
Click here for carryovers.
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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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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.
Two Day All Track Bonus - Earn 3% cash back when you wager $100 or more on Saturday, January 25 & Sunday, January 26. Maximum cash back $25. ($2.10 payouts excluded). All wagers must be placed on your HPIbet.com account. You must opt-in.
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Handicapping Tournaments
Player's Choice Tournaments
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Player’s Choice – This 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. 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
- Feb. 8 - Sam F. Davis (Tam) - 20 points
- Feb. 15 - Risen Star (FG) - 50 points
- Feb. 16 - Sunland Derby - 20 points
- Feb. 22 - Rebel (OP) - 50 points
See leaderboard here.
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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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Wescana Stables’ Macale is shown above winning the Whittier Park Handicap at ASD on August 20, 1975. The Glen Ball-trained stallion was a good one. In 1975 the multiple stakes-winning grey had five wins, three seconds, and two thirds and was named Best Older Horse and Horse of the Year. (Gerry Hart photo) | |
Favourites Locked (5/2) and White Abbario (3-1) face 10 tough rivals on Saturday
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Locked faces 11 rivals in Saturday's $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes at Gulfstream Park. (Adam Coglianese/NYRA) | |
The first marquee race of the 2025 racing calendar is set for Saturday, when Gulfstream Park hosts the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes. The 1 1/8-mile dirt race has been a centerpiece of the winter season since it was rebranded in 2017, and it annually brings together some of the best older dirt horses in training to compete. This year’s Pegasus anchors a spectacular day of racing at Gulfstream Park featuring eight other stakes races. It will air on NBC and FanDuel TV and stream on Peacock, with a scheduled post time of 5:40 p.m. ET. Get information on all of the Pegasus contenders plus some handicapping insights from America's Best Racing here. | |
Speed horses look like the best logical plays in packed field
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Formidable Man wins the Del Mar Derby at Del Mar. (Benoit Photography) | An overflow field of 14 is entered to contest the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. (G1) at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. The 1 1/8-mile event on the lawn attracted a very good group, but the race lacks pace, and handicapper John Mucciolo will use the runners he expects to be in the mix from the opening stages of the tilt. More from TwinSpires here. |
Alberta star Big Hug third in a Grade 3 in California, Ready For Shirl wins for Attfield
| Ready for Shirl was well prepared to win off the layoff for trainer Roger Attfield at Gulfstream on Saturday. (Gulfstream Park photo) | The deep cold of the Siberian vortex has taken hold in Canada and places south, at least for a few days this week, but Canadians in the south and to the west have been doing well. Alberta’s multiple champion filly Big Hug finished third in the prestigious La Canada Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita on Jan. 19, and dual Hall of Fame trainer Roger Attfield sent out Charles Fipke’s Ready For Shirl to win an allowance/optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park with Javier Castellano up. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. |
The Best of Bob
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
From July 3, 2020: Remembering Pagan Star, All-Time-Western Canadian Money Winner (Circa 1951)
This week Bob shares a memory of Downs’ late patriarch, Bert Blake who, by the way, would have been 101 this past Monday, June 29. Ten years ago, Blake gave our history guy a picture of a horse that had been pinned on the wall of his tack room for five decades. The horse was Pagan Star, who was the All-Time Western Canadian money winner in the early 1950s. Pagan who? Bob has the story of Blake’s gift and Pagan Star here.
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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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Live Pro Wrestling - Saturday, January 25 - more info
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Prairie Strides Annual Market - Friday, February 1 & Saturday, February 2 - more info
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Valentine's Dinner & Dance - Friday, February 14 - more info
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Feedback & Inside Track Archives |
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