Groom Meadow Mclean in trainer Mike Taphorn’s barn with double stakes-winner Mighty Mikee. (George Williams) By G.S. Thompson The frozen water bucket brigade is back at Assiniboia Downs, and they couldn't be happier about it. That includes Meadow Mclean, the...
By G.S. Thompson Kevin Palmer won the February Player's Choice contest in a squeaker last Saturday, besting Jeff Rozmus by $1.20, and he did it on the strength of a major cap horse. Palmer loves horses at 8-1 or better, and his strategy wasn't much different from that...
Nielson colt out of Fox Appeal. (Ziprick Thoroughbreds) by G. S. Thompson The first thoroughbred foals of the year are on the ground in Manitoba! Ziprick Thoroughbreds reports they have three newborn dreams so far, but we're sure there are lots more out there. If you...
By G.S. Thompson The $1 Pick 4 at Assiniboia Downs has become one of the best bets in North American racing, with pools consistently topping $75,000 and many times going over $100,000, but many Pick 4 bettors leave money on the table. With less than 90 days left...
Remembering Jack Robertson December 7, 1938 – February 4, 2026 A Horseman’s Horseman By G.S. Thompson Highly respected Assiniboia Downs trainer Jack Robertson passed away on Wednesday, February 4, at the age of 87. The multiple stakes-winning trainer was well known as...
Seahawks defeat Patriots 29–13: Well, that game wasn’t pretty, was underwhelming, and a bit of a snoozefest for what is supposed to be the biggest game of the year. The Seahawks’ defense was always going to be the focus in this matchup, and the big question was how...
Henry S. Witt, Jr. (right) with trainer Jerry Gourneau and jockey Antonio Whitehall after winning the Manitoba Derby with longshot Mano Dura in 2023. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson Henry S. Witt, Jr. has won the leading owner title at Assiniboia...
Rob Solmundson won last Saturday's Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament, and for the second time in as many months, the winning total was less than $100. By G.S. Thompson Longshots continue to be hard to come by, even for our core group of talented handicappers,...
Patriots over Seahawks (Sunday at 5:30 p.m.): Not many people are giving the Patriots a chance in this game for a multitude of reasons. “They had the easiest schedule,” “they only played one good team all year,” “they should have lost to the Broncos,” etc. I don’t...
2025 ASD leading trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. (right) in the winner’s circle after his victory in the Chantilly Stakes with Gina’s Serenade for owner Arnason Farms. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia photo) by G. S. Thompson 2025 Assiniboia Downs leading trainer Steve Keplin,...