Assessment Wins at Emerald Downs

Assessment, the only horse to defeat Noose Beach this season at Emerald Downs, asserted his class Sunday with a three-length victory over Taif in the featured $21,500 Next point IS Purse.

With regular rider Gallyn Mitchell aboard, Assessment ran the fastest mile of the meeting, 1 minute, 34 3/5 seconds and paid $3.20, $2.40 and $2.10. Howard Belvoir is the trainer for owners Lou and Diane Tice of Seattle.

Taif, ridden by Francisco Duran, finished strongly to take second place and paid $3.20 and $2.40. Winning Machine, the early leader under Kevin Krigger, finished third and paid $2.20.