Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Assiniboia Downs – Racing News and Analysis for August 19, 2026


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Pick Pony Condensed Handicapper Report — Assiniboia Downs | August 19, 2026

Fast track expected on a dry Winnipeg day. ASD's tight bullring heavily favors inside posts and early speed in sprints; outside draws are a genuine liability at 1210–1320 feet. Gourneau barn dominant across the card; Whitehall the rider to follow with mounts in all seven races.

Race 1 — 1320f | Clm 5000n2l

Rugged Rooster (3) is the logical top selection from a favorable post with the meet's busiest rider. Borderland (2) is the value play at 4-1 from the inside for the Gourneau barn, best used on top in exacta savers. Run Matteo Run (5) is the pace threat but the outside draw is a mild concern.

Race 2 — 1760f | Md Sp Wt

American Witt (1) is the standout from the rail for the Gourneau barn and figures to control fractions in a maiden route. Charlie's Prize (6) at 2-1 with Whitehall is the main rival despite the outside draw. Mimicry (2) at 20-1 is worth a small show bet given the inside post in an unpredictable maiden field.

Race 3 — 1210f | CTHSSales50k

Today's Agenda (1) at 5-1 is the value play of the card — same barn as even-money favorite Circle The Bird (9) but with the rail draw versus the worst post in a nine-horse sprint stakes. Maximum Uproar (4) at 6-1 with Whitehall is the overlaid contender with a solid mid-field draw. Fade Circle The Bird (9) at 1-1 from post 9.

Race 4 — 1320f | Clm 5000n3l

Mischievous Intent (4) for Gourneau and J L Copper (6) with Whitehall share 2-1 favoritism and this is effectively a two-horse race at the top. Rocky Top Mischief (5) at 4-1 is the best upset threat and the key horse underneath in trifectas.

Race 5 — 1210f | Clm 10000

Rolling On (3) from an inside draw is the top selection at 2-1, with Time Machine (5) as the co-equal pace rival. My Wife Is Right (2) at 7-1 from the Gourneau barn with the inside draw is the best value play in the race and deserves aggressive exotic use. Freeze 'em (1) at 10-1 from the rail is a deep trifecta inclusion if Laing's barn is sharp.

Race 6 — 1650f | Clm 3000n1y

Charming Charlie (1) gets the rail for the Gourneau barn in a ten-horse field and is the most straightforward win selection. Free Maker (3) at 5-1 with Whitehall and an inside draw is the key value and upset horse to use on top in exactas. Sam's Promise (6) is the co-equal Gourneau runner at 2-1; note that Gardipy's three entries — Rick's Dancer (2), Fast Traffic (5), and Poderoso Equs (7) — are all to be avoided.

Race 7 — 1320f | OClm 12500b

Prime Suspect (4) at 1-1 is the class of the field but offers no win value. Preachers Secret (1) at 6-1 from the rail is the play — use aggressively on top in reverse exactas over the favorite for a meaningful return if the even-money shot gets beaten. Finding Ways (5) at 2-1 is the logical place horse and trifecta anchor in second position.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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