Saddleranch held off Assessment in a driving finish and scored a half-length victory Saturday in the $21,000 Carl’s Jr. Purse for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs.

Ridden by David G. Lopez, Saddleranch ran one mile in 1 minute, 35.31 seconds and paid $5.60, $4.20 and $3. Mike Puhich is the trainer for owner Mark Dedomenico of Redmond.

A 5-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding by Vindication-Excessively Nice, Saddleranch is 3-0-1 in four starts since shipping to Washington from trainer Bob Baffert’s stable in Southern California.

Assessment, ridden by Jennifer Whitaker, loomed boldly in the final furlong but was unable to get by Saddleranch and finished second. Assessment, the 2009 Emerald Downs Horse of the Meeting, paid $10.40 and $4.80.

Polish Dollar, the early leader ridden by Juan Gutierrez, held third and paid $2.60 to show. A 7-year-old gelding, Polish Gift is 3-1-2 in six starts at the meet and is 13-for-34 lifetime at Emerald Downs.

Deacon Speakin’, Royal Moses and Forin Sea completed the order of finish.

Saddleranch pressed the pace as Polish Dollar led through fractions of :23.44, :46.17 and 1:09.81, gained the lead on the last turn, and held off Assessment through the lane for the victory. Overall, Saddleranch is 5-1-1 in 10 starts with earnings of $104,160.