Taif Wins Emerald Downs Feature

Taif forged to the lead past mid-stretch and then held off Zagreus for a neck victory in the $15,100 feature race Friday night at Emerald Downs.

With Francisco Duran riding, Taif ran six furlongs on a wet-fast track in 1:08 and paid $7.80, $4.40 and $3.40. Dan Markle is the trainer for owners Sue and Tim Spooner, who recently acquired the 4-year-old gelding in a private sale.

The winning connections—jockey, trainer and owner—continued their recent hot streaks at Emerald Downs. Duran rode five winners last Sunday including a triumph on Posse Power in the Auburn Handicap. Markle has saddled four winners in the last three racing days including doubles Friday and last Saturday. And the Spooners have three wins in the last three days, and their six wins rank No. 1 in the owners' standings.