ASSINIBOIA DOWNS
The Inside Track | Issue #83 | June 9, 2023
  • 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?
  • Live Racing Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
  • ASD Player Portal
  • Chase the Ace at ASD
  • Las Vegas Challenge
  • Dining at ASD
  • Chef's Specials
  • Whitehall, Duncan in Championship Form
  • RCMP Musical Ride
  • Owners & Breeders Appreciation Night
  • Manitoba Night Market & Festival
  • Pink Cloud Charity Night
  • Snapshot in Time - Cool Excellence
  • 155th Belmont Stakes: Forte Returns
  • Jena Antonucci could make history in Belmont
  • Belmont Stakes Clocker Report
  • Carryover Watch
  • Dark Horse Bets Download
  • Bob's Blog - Secretariat's Triple Crown
  • Upcoming Events
Do the Downs!
Live Racing this Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
  • Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $102,502
  • New to the races? Be sure to stop by and see Brad and Shannon. They will answer all your questions about racing and wagering.
  • Download the Dark Horse Betting App, open a new account and get $30 in free wagers.
  • Free admission and free parking daily.
  • Can't make it to the track? Watch and wager at HPIbet.com.
  • See full ASD schedule here.
Get all the information on Assiniboia Downs racing in one convenient place! The ASD Player Portal features the following FREE information:

  • Link to watch ASD Live Racing on our YouTube channel
  • ASD Live with Kirt & Stretch
  • Free ASD programs
  • ASD expert picks
  • Horse Racing Nation power picks
  • Charting Horse Value charts
  • Trust The Prophets Monday handicapping live stream
  • Brisnet premium pps
  • Jockey bios
  • Photo finish photos

All of the above information is free of charge and available on the ASD Player Portal.
Chase the Ace at Assiniboia Downs
Week #4 Tickets on Sale Now!

Tickets for Chase the Ace Week #4 are on sale now with a $5,000 Guaranteed Accumulator Jackpot if someone picks the Ace of Diamonds!

  • Tickets are available online at ASDowns-CTA.com, Guest Services or at the VLT cashier’s cage
  • 1 ticket for $5, 3 tickets for $10, 10 tickets for $20, 50 tickets for $50, 200 tickets for $100
  • The weekly draw will be made Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are on sale now through until 10:00 a.m. the following Thursday
  • Full contest rules click here.
  • Proceeds support community charities including Final Furlong, Winners Foundation, Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, Indigenous Languages of Manitoba and Manitoba Lung Association.
  • By purchasing a ticket, you are helping these charities make a positive difference in the community. Thank you for supporting the Chase the Ace Ticket Program.
  • Week #3 winner Nancy won $92. Nancy won her tickets by being selected as our VIP Fan of the Night on Wednesday, June 7. Congratuations Nancy!

Manitoba Jockey Club - LGCA-5630-RF-39799
2023 Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournaments

  • Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, June 19
  • Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 10
  • Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 31
  • Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, August 21
  • Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, September 18

PRIZES: The tournament winner receives a trip for two to Las Vegas and a trophy (the winner will be provided $3,500 to book their trip to Las Vegas). Second place finisher will receive a $500 deposit to their HPI account, the third place finisher will receive a $250 deposit to their HPI account.

Entry fee into the Las Vegas Challenge is $50 but can be reduced by qualifying on Assiniboia Downs’ race cards leading up to the tournament. To qualify you must select the horse that you think will win each race on the Assiniboia Downs race card. Email your selections for that race night to Sheri at [email protected] prior to the start of racing. If you select three winners on the race card, your entry fee is reduced to $25. For every other race card that you select three winners on your entry fee is reduced by another $5. 
Club West Gaming Lounge

140 VLTs available daily in our spacious Club West Gaming Lounge from 10 a.m. through 1 a.m. Please note that our VLTs are sanitized between play. Click here for a full list of games available at ASD.

Win CA$H Every Day!

  • Draws to win up to $100 cash on our lucky wheel Monday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m.

  • Draws for $20 FREE VLT Spins Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Dining at Assiniboia Downs
Club West Dining Room & Lounge Open Daily

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks plus Happy Hour food and beverage specials in our Club West Dining Room & Lounge! Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Chef's Weekend Specials
Friday Steak & Suds $24.95: 8 oz. Sirloin steak 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.

Saturday Prime & Wine $29.95: Certified Angus Prime Rib (8 oz.) cut. 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.

Sunday Fish & Chips $14.95: Two pieces of beer battered cod with tartar sauce and lemon. Served with french fries and coleslaw.

Add a starter Caesar salad, tossed salad or soup of the day to any of the above specials for $3.95. Served from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are not required.
Live Racing Buffets

Book your table for our Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet! It's available every race night in the Terrace Dining Room.

Buffet highlights include signature Certified Angus prime rib of beef carvery, seafood table featuring jumbo shrimp and salmon, fresh salads and side dishes prepared with locally grown vegetables.

Rotating entree selections of tender grilled chicken, crispy fried fish, sticky BBQ ribs, roasted meats and artisan sausages. Dessert table features warm fresh baked pies and your choice of ice cream plus cheesecakes, tortes and our famous bourbon bacon brownie.

The table is yours for the entire evening and includes racing programs and tip sheets.

Adults - $49.95, Seniors (65+) - $46.95, Kids 12 & under - $29.95, Kids 5 & under - $16.95

Reservations are required. Call 204-885-3330. Click here for our 2023 racing schedule.
At The Post with G.S. Thompson
Whitehall, Duncan in Championship Form
Former Manitoba-bred champ Melisandre back in the winner's circle!
Former champion Melisandre returns with jockey Antonio Whitehall after winning the Cool Excellence Overnight Stakes on Tuesday evening for trainer Lise Pruitt and owners True North Thoroughbreds and Arnason Farms. (Jason Halstead photo)
Trainer Murray Duncan was back in familiar stakes-winning territory on Monday and Wednesday, jockey Antonio Whitehall continued to steamroll the competition, and former multiple champion Manitoba-bred Melisandre was back in the winner’s circle for the first time in two years on Tuesday night.

Duncan won the Prime Time T.V. Overnight Stakes on Monday night with Chicago’s Gray and the Rock’n USA Overnight Stakes on Wednesday evening with Big Nick. Both horses were claimed at Oaklawn Park this winter and spring.
Chicago's Gray wins the Prime Time T.V. Overnight Stakes on Monday for trainer Murray Duncan and ownership partners Roll the Dice Stable, Royce Finley and Arnason Farms. Jorge Carreno up. (Jason Halstead photo)
Chicago’s Gray was claimed for $12,500 on May 6 by Randy Premachuk and is now owned by the partnership of Roll The Dice Stable, Royce Finley and Arnason Farms. The dark gray/roan gelding by Tapwrit was claimed from sharp trainer Steve Asmussen, but Duncan has been turning former Oaklawn Park claimers into stakes winners for over a decade now.

Ridden by Jorge Carreno, the 3-year-old by Tapwrit-Dulce Arabe by Speightstown went gate-to-wire and looked strong throughout in the Prime Time T.V., following up on his earlier 8-length romp in his first start at ASD on May 23. His winning margin on Monday was only 2 ½-lengths, but he was moving up in class from maidens to stakes company, and when Carreno asked him to go he was gone.
Big Nick responded gamely in the drive to win the Rock'n USA Overnight Stakes for trainer Murray Duncan and owners Roll The Dice Stable and Royce Finley on Wednesday evening at ASD. Antonio Whitehall up. (Jason Halstead photo)
Big Nick was the second stakes winner of the week for Duncan in the Rock’n USA Stakes on Wednesday. Claimed by Randy Premachuk at Oaklawn Park for $16,000 on February 24, Big Nick is now owned by the partnership of Roll the Dice Stable and Royce Finley.

Ridden by hot jockey Antonio Whitehall, the 5-year-old gelding by Bayern-Appearance by Harlington had to work a little after dueling from the inside to get the best of tough campaigner Market King, but he gradually drew away late to win by a half length.

The 82-year-old Duncan has nine horses in his barn and conditions the leaders in both the 3-year-old colt/gelding division and the older horse division, and there’s more to come.

Winning stakes.
Melisandre holds off Spun Line and Wait a Sec to win the Cool Excellence Overnight Stakes on Tuesday night at ASD. (Jason Halstead photo)
Melisandre was back in the winner’s circle on Tuesday evening! The 5-year-old Manitoba-bred mare by Going Commando-High Pioneer by Pioneering parlayed a beautiful trip under jockey Antonio Whitehall to win the Cool Excellence Overnight Stakes.

Trained by Lise Pruitt, it was a joyous return to the winner’s circle for the former champion, who hadn’t won since August 4 2021, when she won the R.C. Anderson Memorial to cap off the 8-race win streak she began her career with.

Bred by Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard and Barry Arnason and owned by True North Thoroughbreds and Arnason Farms, Melisandre showed some real grit winning the Cool Excellence, taking over at the sixteenth pole and holding off the hard charging runner-up Spun Line by a neck, with the willing Wait a Sec only another neck back in third.

Melisandre received a perfectly timed ride from the white-hot Whitehall, who won six races on the week to move into a massive lead in the jockey standings with 14 wins, 10 more than his nearest pursuers.

It pays to show up early in Manitoba.
Groom Christopher Gaskin leads Chicago's Gray out of the winner's circle for trainer Murray Duncan after their victory in the Prime Time T.V. Overnight Stakes on Monday at ASD. (Jason Halstead photo)
RCMP Musical Ride
Tickets on sale now!
The 150th Anniversary Tour

The spectacular RCMP Musical Ride will arrive in Winnipeg July 28th and July 29th to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Two performances will take place at Assiniboia Downs. The first one on Friday, July 28th and the second one on Saturday July 29th.

The RCMP Musical Ride is a symbol of tradition, honour, and pride. The Musical Ride is a Canadian icon recognized at home and abroad. The troop of up to 32 riders, who are all police officers, and their horses perform intricate formations and drills set to music, lasting about 30 minutes. These movements demand the utmost control, timing, and coordination.

Friday, July 28
  • Musical Ride starts at 7:00 p.m.
  • Meet and Greet to follow show
  • Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
  • All seating is rush seating.
  • Food and beverage service is available.
  • Tickets $15 (including taxes & fees). Kids 5 & under free.
  • Tickets are available online using the link below or in person at Assiniboia Downs (VLT cage, General Office & Guest Services during live racing).
  • Get your tickets today!!

Saturday, July 29
  • Musical Ride starts at 1:30 p.m.
  • Meet and Greet to follow show
  • Doors open at 12:00 noon
  • All seating is rush seating.
  • Food and beverage service is available.
  • Tickets $15 (including taxes & fees). Kids 5 & under free.
  • Tickets are available online using the link below or in person at Assiniboia Downs (VLT cage, General Office & Guest Services during live racing).
  • Get your tickets today!!
Owners & Breeders Appreciation Night
Horse Owners & Breeders plus a guest are invited!
  • Tuesday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m.
  • ASD Trackside Patio
  • Complimentary for owners/breeders plus one guest
  • Food will be served
  • Free programs and tip sheets
  • Draws for ASD merchandise

Owners/Breeders must RSVP to Samantha/Darlene 204-885-3330 (ext. 0) by Monday, June 12. Please have your LGCA pass # when calling.
June HPI Cash Back Specials

  • TREMENDOUS TUESDAYS: Earn 3% cash back every Tuesday in June on all tracks on all eligible wagers. Minimum wagered $100 (each Tuesday). Maximum cash back $25 (each Tuesday). ($2.10 payouts are not eligible.) Opt-in at HPIbet.com. All wagers must be placed on your HPI account.
  • BELMONT STAKES DAY BONUS: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible wagers made on all tracks on Saturday, June 10. Minimum wagered $100. Maximum cash back $25. ($2.10 payouts are not eligible.) Opt-in at HPIbet.com. All wagers must be placed on your HPI account.
Carryover Watch
  • Parx (June 10) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $246,121
  • Santa Anita (June 9) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $106,823
  • Assiniboia Downs (June 12) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover $102,502

See all carryovers here.
Can't make it to the track to wager?
Watch and wager at one of our off-track betting locations:
"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group

Join veteran handicappers Ivan Bigg and Larry Liebrecht as they lead discussions for the "I Won Bigg" betting group every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Clubhouse.

This week the group will be playing Belmont. $20 gets you a share in the ticket. Can't make it to the track? Email Larry for a share.
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
On June 6th, the featured Overnight Stakes paid tribute to Ontario-bred, multiple stakes winner, Cool Excellence. The dark bay mare’s career at the Downs spanned only four races in 1998, but she was flawless. The 5-year-old mare was a big girl who beat the best distaff runners on the grounds in the Victoria Day Stakes and the Canada Day Handicap. In addition, she took on the boys in the G. Sydney Halter and the Free Press Stakes and was victorious in both. Cool Excellence was owned and trained by Dr. Brian Van Arem and ridden by Rory Noel. (Gerry Hart Photo)
In The News
Scratched Kentucky Derby favourite back in action for 1 1/2-mile Belmont
Forte, scratched the morning of the Kentucky Derby (G1) as the favourite, returns in the third jewel of the Triple Crown. (NYRA photo)
A competitive nine-horse field that includes 2022 Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Forte, Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure, and three Kentucky Derby alumni comprises the 155th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday at Belmont Park, marking the third jewel of the Triple Crown. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
Jena Antonucci could become first woman trainer to win the Belmont Stakes
Trainer Jena Antonucci saddles Arcangelo in the 155th Belmont Stakes. (Gulfstream Park photo)
History may be at hand for trainer Jena Antonucci as she bids to become the first female trainer to capture the Belmont Stakes (G1) with Peter Pan Stakes (G3) winner Arcangelo. She is not viewing it that way. More from the Blood Horse here.
Final summary from both Belmont and Churchill
National Treasure had an unusual work 10 days after his Preakness victory but turned in a strong effort Monday, breezing five furlongs and galloping out seven. (Barbara D. Livingston photo)
Despite the unexpected glitch of missing a day of training Thursday due to poor air quality in the local area, the serious work had already been done preparing the nine members of this year’s Belmont Stakes field for the main event on Saturday. With that in mind, it’s time to take one final look at just how those preparations have gone the previous two weeks. More from the Daily Racing Form here.
Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
Can you believe five decades have passed since Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973? To mark this special anniversary Bob takes a look back at the 3-year-old chestnut colt who gave us something to celebrate. After all, it had been 25 years since Citation had won the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont in 1948. Click here to read Bob’s reminiscence of ‘Big Red’ and his remarkable feat on June 9, 1973. 
Upcoming events at ASD
  • Spin to Win in the Club West Gaming Lounge - Monday to Friday - more info
  • Lucky Spins - Draws for $20 free VLT Spins - Friday to Sunday - more info
  • ASD Live Racing Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. - more info
  • 3% cash back every Tuesday in June - more info
  • Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, June 11 - more info
  • Owners & Breeders Appreciation Night - Tuesday, June 13
  • Summer of Sound - Saturday, June 17 & Sunday, June 18 - more info
  • Holi Summer Fest - Saturday, June 24 - more info
  • Canada Day Fireworks & Festival - Saturday, July 1 - more info
  • Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, July 23 - more info
  • RCMP Musical Ride - Friday, July 28 - more info
  • RCMP Musical Ride - Saturday, July 29 - 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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