Immigration captures Strong Ruler

AUBURN, Wash. - Immigration gave his many backers a scare when he broke slowly in Sunday's $45,000 Strong Ruler Stakes at Emerald Downs, but he recovered to post a convincing 2 1/2 length victory over Liberty for Al in 1:17.60 for 6 1/2 furlongs.

It was the third win from as many starts for Immigration, a 2-year-old son of Delineator from the barn of trainer and part-owner Howard Belvoir. Immigration, who was ridden by Jennifer Whitaker, paid $3.20 to win as the heavy choice in a field of eight. He earned $22,275 for Belvoir and his partners, Harley Hoppe and Dan Corby.