It hasn’t been the smoothest of years for Assiniboia Downs, but wagering continues to be strong on the little Winnipeg track despite the rocky road. And CEO Darren Dunn is hoping that on Monday, a Pick 5 carryover and the Manitoba Derby will get the track close to its record of $4 million in wagering.
In the spring, perennial leading trainer Jerry Gourneau was suspended indefinitely for a positive test. In June, a Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) case on the backstretch put the barn area in quarantine.
The federal quarantine has now been lifted after the final testing results this week. The quarantine was implemented following a single isolated case of an equine virus in June. The swift action of all involved ensured the immediate containment of the situation, with no further cases reported.
“We are thrilled to have the quarantine lifted in time for our biggest race day of the season,” said Dunn. “Everyone has come together to put on this program that is shaping up to be one of the strongest we have seen. It is always fantastic to see the huge crowds onsite and the betting frenzy with the mandatory payout on the Jackpot Pick 5.” The carryover is over $444,000.
The Manitoba Derby at 1 1/8 miles has a heavy favourite in the morning line in invader AWESOME ROAD (Quality Road) who was a $600,000 yearling in 2022 but only a one-time winner in seven races. Previously trained by Brad Cox for Albaugh Family Racing and Donegal Stable, Awesome Road was fourth in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes to eventual Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan, albeit some 17 lengths in arrears.
In his most recent race, Awesome Road was fifth in the Texas Derby at Lone Star Park. He has been gelded since that race and is now trained by Rick Wise for Arnold Bennewith, Lana Wiest, Gary Kropp, R6 Stables, Randy Howg and Tremblay.
While Awesome Road figures to take most of the betting support, another invader, BRICKLAYER (Always Dreaming), comes off two straight wins at Churchill and Canterbury Downs.
The streaking Manitoba-bred NO SHOW NO CALL will have his supporters as he tries his longest distance to date. The son of Kentucky Bear has won four of six races and is owned by Staffmax Stable and 3 D Stable and trained by Mike Taphorn.
MANITOBA DERBY
76th Running / $125,000 / Three-Year-Olds /1 1/8 Miles /
Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 / Assiniboia Downs, Winnipeg MB
1. MAGNOLIA SPEED
3 Year Old – Dark Bay – Gelding
Owner: Mike Powers
Trainer: Lee Delaronde
Jockey: Dane Dawkins
Most Recent Race: At Assiniboia Downs
Probable Odds: 30-1
2. LUCKY APPEAL
3 Year Old – Dark Bay – Gelding
Owner: Henry S. Witt, Jr.
Trainer: Lee Delaronde
Jockey: Arthur Budhu
Most Recent Race: At Assiniboia Downs
Probable Odds: 50-1
3. BRICKLAYER
3 Year Old – Bay – Colt
Owner: Larry Gourneau, Jr.
Trainer: Larry Gourneau, Jr.
Jockey: Luis Fuentes
Most Recent Race: At Canterbury Downs
Probable Odds: 5-2
4. NO SHOW NO CALL
3 Year Old – Chestnut – Gelding
Owners: Staffmax Stable and Club 3 D Stable
Trainer: Mike Taphorn
Three straight wins 20-1
5. MCEWEN
3 Year Old – Bay – Gelding
Owners: All For One Stables, Bette Holtman, Oslen S. Belle and Tom Payne
Trainer: Shelley Brown
Jockey: Renaldo Cumberbatch
Most Recent Race: At Assiniboia Downs
Probable Odds: 15-1
6. LT. NORM
3 Year Old – Bay – Gelding
Owner: Drop’en Racing
Trainer: Steve Keplin, Jr.
Jockey: Sven Balroop
Most Recent Race: At Assiniboia Downs
Probable Odds: 12-1
7. ITSALLGOODMAN
3 Year Old – Dark Bay – Gelding
Owner: Curtis Landry
Trainer: Gonzalo Anderson
Jockey: Rasheed Hughes
Most Recent race: At Century Mile
Probable Odds: 8-1
8. AWESOME ROAD
3 Year Old – Bay – Colt
Owners: Arnold Bennewith, Rick Wiest, Lana Wiest, David Wiest,
R6 Stables, Gary Kropp, Norman Tremblay and Jeff Nistelrooy.
Trainer: Rick Wise
Jockey: Antonio Whitehall
Most Recent Race: At Lone Star Park
Probable Odds: 7-5
9. ROUSSETTE
3 Year Old – Bay – Gelding
Owner: Henry S. Witt, Jr.
Trainer: Mark Simms, Jr.
Jockey: Prayven Badrie
Most Recent Race: At Ellis Park
Probable Odds: 9-2
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