Storm Surge ($6.80), by Storm Cat out of the Mr. Prospector mare Especially, stalked early pacesetter Blazing Exploit through fractions of 22.68 seconds for the quarter-mile and 46.26 for the half before moving to the lead just inside the quarter pole.

The Dallas Stewart trainee, with five-time Fair Grounds leading jockey Robby Albarado aboard, wasn't challenged down the lane in posting a 2 1/4-length victory in 1:10.69 for six furlongs.

Santana Springs rallied for second, two lengths ahead of 8-5 favorite Razor in the field of six.

Said Stewart, who saddled two winners on Friday's card: "He's going to continue to develop. He was ready to run, so we wanted to run here. We got a win here, and now we'll just be real patient with him. Hopefully, later on down the line he's going to stretch out."

Storm Surge increased his career earnings to $192,770.