Immigration captures Emerald Express

AUBURN, Wash. - Immigration gave trainer Howard Belvoir his fourth straight renewal of the $45,000 Emerald Express Stakes at Emerald Downs on Saturday, defeating 11 other 2-year-olds in 1:09.80 for six furlongs.

Immigration, a Washington-bred son of Delineator, pressed the pace from the outside before taking a clear advantage turning for home and drew out to score by four lengths over Onehundred Days. Pirates Deputy closed from far back for third.

Immigration, who was ridden by Jennifer Whitaker, paid $8.60 to win as the second choice and earned $24,255 for owners Howard Belvoir, Dan Corby and Harley Hoppe. Belvoir had trained the winners of the previous three runnings of the Emerald Express, which is the first stakes of the year for juvenile males at Emerald Downs.