R. Associate upsets in Emerald Budweiser Handicap

AUBURN, Wash. - R. Associate pulled off a 28-1 stunner in Sunday's one mile, $75,000 Emerald Budweiser Handicap at Emerald Downs, coming from well off the pace under rider Ben Russell to prevail by a length over Norm?s Nephew in 1:34.20. Heavily favored Flamethrowintexan held third after setting a pressured pace through six furlongs in 1:09.20.

R. Associate, who is trained by Vince Gibson for owner Garth Weeks, was making his first start since Jan. 7 at Sunland Park. He won last year's Lt. Governor's Handicap at Hastings Park and was third in last season?s Budweiser Emerald over this track. R. Associate, a 6-year-old son of Crafty Prospector, has now earned $293,502 from nine wins in 37 starts.