Post time: Approximately 10:00 PM CT (Central Time)
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)
Surface: Dirt
Conditions: Fillies & Mares, 3-year-olds and upward
Purse: $50,000
Venue Location and Description
Assiniboia Downs is located at 3975 Portage Avenue in the St. James-Assiniboia suburb of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Opened in 1958 and operated by the Manitoba Jockey Club, it is a 6½-furlong dirt oval that hosts thoroughbred racing primarily from May through September. The track is the home of the Manitoba Derby and other regional stakes. Facilities include grandstand viewing, free admission and parking on race nights, dining options, and entertainment such as Wiener Dog Races on select cards. It serves as Manitoba’s primary thoroughbred venue.
Scheduled Post Time10:00 PM CT.
Expected Weather Conditions
Partly to mostly cloudy with a high near 15°C (59°F) and overnight low around 4°C (39°F). Northwest winds 20–40 km/h (gusts up to 60 km/h earlier, diminishing later). Low precipitation chance during the evening racing card. Track expected to be dry/fast or firm under these conditions, though official track condition reports closer to post should be confirmed.
Track Conditions
Dirt surface. Anticipated fast/firm based on the dry forecast, consistent with typical late-season Assiniboia Downs conditions. Exact rating (fast, good, etc.) will be posted closer to post time.
Full Field Analysis
Here is the field with post position (PP), morning-line (ML) odds, trainer/jockey, and available form notes (last three finishes where data is limited; some horses lack extensive recent public form details in available sources):
1. Out too Late (GB) (Expert Eye) – PP 1 – ML 25/1
Trainer: Brent Hrymak | Jockey: Rachaad Knights
Longshot. Limited recent high-level form noted; faces a tough class step. Outside chance if the pace collapses, but looks overmatched on paper against stronger contenders.
2. Dontgiveupthefight (Jimmy Creed) – PP 2 – ML 4/5 (favorite)
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro | Jockey: Rico W. Walcott
Clear standout and morning-line favorite. Solid 2025–2026 record includes multiple wins and stakes placings (e.g., victories at Turf Paradise including the Queen of the Green Stakes, plus strong efforts at Century Downs and elsewhere). Proven at a mile and beyond with competitive speed figures. Diodoro is a high-percentage trainer; Walcott provides experienced handling. Expect her to control or sit close and be tough to catch if she fires. Last notable efforts include recent allowance/stakes wins and placings.
3. Midnight Lady (Midnight Lute) – PP 3 – ML 15/1
Trainer: Jerry Gourneau | Jockey: Renaldo Cumberbatch
Local contender under Gourneau (active Assiniboia trainer). Mid-pack speed figures suggested. Needs improvement to challenge the top two but can hit the board if the favorites underperform. Recent form typically mid-pack in local company.
4. Bartender (Candy Ride [ARG]) – PP 4 – ML 5/1
Trainer: Mark Simms, Jr. | Jockey: Damario Bynoe
Respectable secondary contender. Candy Ride bloodlines often suit longer distances. Bynoe is a capable local rider. Could improve into a placing role with a clean trip; recent efforts show competitiveness in similar company.
5. Holy Belle (Seeking the Soul) – PP 5 – ML 15/1
Trainer: Robert Henson | Jockey: Amadeo Perez
Another longer shot. Limited standout recent form; looks to need a significant step forward to impact the top of the order. Outside chance for a minor share.
6. Welcometohollywood (Omaha Beach) – PP 6 – ML 8/1
Trainer: Jared Brown | Jockey: Kerron Khelawan
Interesting contender from the Brown barn with Khelawan (solid local combination). Omaha Beach progeny can improve with distance. Recent form suggests she is competitive; a live longshot/exotics player if she settles and finishes strongly.
7. Yankee Doodle (American Freedom) – PP 7 – ML 4/1
Trainer: Michael Nault | Jockey: Antonio Whitehall
Strong secondary threat and logical contender against the favorite. Nault/Whitehall is a proven Assiniboia pairing. Outside post requires a good trip, but she has the class and recent form to be in the mix for the win or exacta. Consistent local performer capable of taking advantage if the favorite falters.
Overall Analysis and Key Angles
Dontgiveupthefight is the clear one to beat on class, recent form, and connections. The race sets up as a potential two- or three-horse contest involving the favorite, Yankee Doodle, and possibly Welcometohollywood or Bartender for the minor awards. Pace scenarios will matter over 1⅛ miles—early speed from the inside posts could set it up for a stalker/closer. Local trainers (Gourneau, Nault, Brown) know the track well, while Diodoro’s shipper brings proven quality. Watch for any late scratches or equipment changes.
