Blog
Rob’s ASD Picks and Wagering Strategies for August 16-17, 2013
by Rob A few years ago a long-time owner and racegoer Bob King spent a month narrating his picks in a blog. His musings, as wacky and off-beat as they might have been, were sometimes interesting to read. Over the last five weeks of the season that’s what I have...
Was Liz’s Pride the best filly or mare ever to race at Assiniboia Downs?
The "Pride" of Stoneacres Farm was one flashy filly! by Bob Who was the greatest filly or mare to ever race at the Downs? Questions like this are fun. They inspire debate and good-natured banter, and let’s face it; there just isn’t a “right” answer. Essentially...
Jockey’s first local win sets off huge Pick-4 payoff
Estrella wins final two races Saturday night with wide rallies in wet stuff by George Jockey Hilario Estrella came flying home aboard Adieu My Friend in Saturday night’s seventh race at ASD to nail heavy favourite Flying Bob John late and trigger a huge Pick-4...
Joseph Nandor Selyem, A Man For All Horses
Not a horse was born that he wouldn’t ride! by Bob Perhaps legendary Downs' trainer, the late Don Gray, described him best when he said: “He is outstanding on horses that are a little erratic or nervous. He’s always shown ability. He’s a really strong finisher....
2013 Manitoba Lotteries Derby Entries – Post Positions, Odds, Jockeys, Trainers, Owners
$75,000 Manitoba Lotteries Derby Entries - Assiniboia Downs Race 8, Monday, August 5, 2013 - Approximate Post Time: 4:53 PM Purse $75,000. 3-Year-Olds. 1 1/8-Miles. Dirt. Win, Place, Show, Superfecta, Triactor, Super High Five, Exactor & Quinella Wagering...
Cecil James Filby – Extraordinarily Ordinary Man
by Bob Anyone who has been around the Downs for a while has likely heard of Cecil Filby, and as our Manitoba Derby fast approaches some may wonder why I selected him for this week’s remembrance. Was it for his accomplishments in our prestigious Derby? Was it for his...
A look at the weekend’s 2-year-old races at ASD
Rob's ASD Pick and Analysis for the July 26 weekend by Rob This weekend of racing features three races restricted to Manitoba-bred 2-year-olds. On paper the races look incomprehensible, and if they were in the Pick-4 they could be argued as “ALL” races. Let’s...
15 minutes with Smoky Cinder
Competitive fires still burning in local living legend by Bob Who knew? Downs’ legendary graded stakes-placed and multiple stakes winner Smoky Cinder, a grandson of the mighty Northern Dancer, is alive and well at 20! One night at the track I approached the man...
Merry’s Jay: Lord of Avondale and the Toast of Manitoba
First Manitoba-bred ever to win the Manitoba Derby by Bob In 1976 Merry’s Jay won the Harry Jeffrey Stakes. Eight days later he became the first Manitoba-bred ever to win our own Manitoba Derby. Only two other horses have won the Harry Jeffrey Stakes (which is...
A Girl’s Gotta Do does just that in $50,000 R.C. Anderson Stakes at ASD
$4,482 Manitoba-bred yearling powers away from field for Last Call Stable by George Last Call Stable’s A Girl’s Gotta Do powered away in the stretch to win the $50,000 R.C. Anderson Stakes by 9 ¾-lengths on Saturday night at Assiniboia Downs, and it was never...