Eddie Woods training grad Cavalry Charge made his graded stakes debut a winning one with a gritty win in the $150,000 Fair Grounds S. (G3) Feb. 19 on the Fair Grounds turf.

Cavalry Charge, with the inside post in the field of 11, broke well and was hustled to hold his spot by jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. He was side-by-side with Two Emmys the first time under the wire, then edged away to hold a one length lead after a half-mile in :49.70. Two Emmys inched closer on the backstretch and got within a neck as the field turn for home, when Cavalry Charge sprinted clear. Up two lengths with a furlong to run, Cavalry Charge dug in very gamely to the wire, winning by a head over Adhamo (IRE), with Halo Again another head back in third.

The winner covered the 1 1/8-miles on the firm turf in 1:53.06, earning him a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 96.

Cavalry Charge is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, William Sandbrook and Robert Masiello. The 5-year-old son of Honor Code is now 5-2-2 in 16 starts and has earned $394,956.

Cavalry Charge was bred by Glencrest Farm LLC and is the first foal to race out of Sweet Talkin, who has three graded stakes-winning siblings, including Grade 1 winner Adieu.