Dear Insider Subscriber:

 

Just a quick note to remind you of the first Wednesday of live racing tomorrow night at 7 p.m.  And tell you about a dizzying array of special promotions INCLUDING ONE ESPECIALLY FOR YOU!

 

First, if you're an American Idol fan (and I certainly am) the Boots 'n' Saddles bar on the main level has been set aside for giant TV coverage of the two-hour grand finale which will crown either Adam or Chris as this year's Idol.  That means you can share the intensity of the finale with other Idol supporters and, of course, enjoy the races as well. There will be a ticket seller right in the bar so you won't miss a thing!  Other TVs throughout the grandstand will also be airing the finale.

 

But that's just the beginning for Wednesday racing kick-off night:

DINING DEAL:   Buy one buffet, get one FREE!  This night only. You'll want to reserve early on this exceptional first-time-ever promotion as it's expected to sell out quickly. Phone 885-3330.  Buffet begins at 6 p.m. Normal cost is $29.95 per person.

PICK-7 GUARANTEE:  Minimum $2,500 payout in the pick-7 (races 2 to 8).

PICK-4 CARRYOVER:  There is a $2,200 carryover from holiday Monday, so you can expect the pick-4 pool to grow to $7,000 or $8,000.

BIG BETTING POOLS:   Wednesday's races will be picked up by many other race tracks in North America so how big will the pools get?  They increased by 30 per cent on holiday Monday.  But Wednesday's increase is expected to be much bigger.  Fatter pools lead to bigger payoffs.

TRIPLE Q INCREASE:  The prize pool for the free Triple Q Challenge game has grown to $300.  Pick the top two horses in three races and the money could be yours.

BE NAMED WEDNESDAY'S FANTASTIC FAN:  If your name is drawn from Triple Q entries, you will be honoured as Wednesday's Insta-Frame Fantastic Fan which means you'll get to watch a race from the Winner's Circle, make a presentation to the winning horse and  receive a beautifully framed keepsake of the memorable occasion.

A NEW MEMORY GAME!  Having a good memory could earn you cash between races!

 

BONUS FOR INSIDER READERS:  Five will win $50 each in betting vouchers and will be able to watch a race standing in the Winner's Circle!

When you come to the track tomorrow night, go to the Guest Services counter and tell them you're an Insider subscriber.  You'll receive a special entry form for a draw in which you'll have a chance at winning $50 in betting vouchers AND you and guest will get to watch a race from the Winner's Circle.  THERE WILL BE A DRAW FOR FIVE WINNERS. This special offer is open only to Insider readers.   MAKE SURE YOU REGISTER!

 

So, how's that for an over-the-top celebration of the first Wednesday night of racing?

 

Oh yes, on the racing side, trainer Carl Anderson is on the verge of getting his 1,000th career win.  Will he do it tomorrow?  He has two horses racing and you know he wants to get the "monkey" off his back so he can stop thinking about this important milestone.

 

I'll see you Thursday with your regular issue of The Insider with an amazing VLT story that's something you'd usually read about in the supermarket tabloids.  I'm still shaking my head in disbelief and I'm sure you'll find the story stunning we well.

 

Meanwhile, see you tomorrow for as Wednesday live racing begins in grand style at 7 p.m.!  Whether it's racing, dining, contest-playing or Idol-izing, you'll find few such opportunities for so much fun packed into one evening!

 

-- Ivan