Category Seven wins sixth of year in Matron

OPELOUSAS, La. - Category Seven stalked the early pace under clever handling from Richard Eramia before rallying down the stretch to capture the $50,000 Matron Stakes Saturday night at Evangeline Downs by 1 1/4 lengths. Ruling Class, who pressured the leader before taking control in the second turn of the mile turf event for fillies and mares, could not match strides with the winner late and had to settle for second, and was followed by Dancin Perfect and 7-5 favorite Pleasantly Blessed. Martin's Bay and Nine M. M. were late scratches.

Trained by Kenneth Hargrave for James Peron Racing Stable, Category Seven ($9) won for the sixth time this year from nine starts. Overall, the 4-year-old Gulf Storm filly has seven wins from 26 starts. Category Seven has been a different horse since moving to the grass late last year. Saturday night's payday of $30,000 boosted her career bankroll to almost $175,000. She covered the mile in 1:35.24 over firm going.