Justa quick update, folks!

We're finally going to get some rain!

Yah, sure. What part of the world am I writing this from, you ask? I think most of us are developing webbed feet!

But, rain or shine, racing continues tomorrow night at 7 p.m. with nine competitive races featuring a pick-4 carryover of $1,272 and a guaranteed pick-6 pool of $500. There's also $150 at stake in the free-to-enter Triple Q Challenge that begins in race 3.

You're reminded, too, to book early for race night buffets. Samantha at the ASD switchboard reported a lot of disappointed callers last Wednesday when she had to tell them the Terrace Dining Room was booked solid for that night. Friday and Saturday were jam-packed last week as well.

There are still some openings for tomorrow night's buffet but you'd obviously better hurry. Call 885-3330 to reserve. I think what's happening is everyone is realizing only one month of live racing is left and they want to squeeze in as much entertainment as they can before the final day Sunday, Sept. 20. The nice thing about the dining room, too, is you have the best seats in the house and you have them for the entire night with the added convenience of making bets right at your table from the mobile ticket seller.

Oh yes, Friday night's card is also worth looking forward to: It will feature the biggest stakes line-up since Manitoba Derby Day. There are three races with purses totalling $140,000. I'll fill you in on those races in Thursday's regular Insider--and also let you know which Manitoba horse(s) were able to enter the $300,000 Canadian Derby that runs at Northlands Park Saturday.

Tomorrow. -- Ivan the Soggy