Rail Ridge pulls away in Need for Speed

Rail Ridge collared early pacesetter Mr. Missile late in the turn and drew clear to win the $50,000 Need for Speed Stakes on Friday night at Evangeline Downs. Longshot Zacaroid finished a willing second with a late run some 2 1/2 lengths further back, followed by Tortuga Straits.

Ridden by Billy Patin and trained by Ronald Matthieu, Rail Ridge ($4.60) has never finished worse than second in his eight-race career that now includes five victories. The 4-year-old Louisiana-bred gelding by Esplanade Ridge covered the five furlongs in 57.59 seconds over a fast strip and picked up $30,000 for his winning connections. He has now earned more than $142,000.