Memphis Beach used his speed to good advantage Friday at Emerald Downs, racing to the early lead and holding off Posse Power for a one-length victory in the $14,800 feature race for 3-year-olds and up.

Ridden by Jose Zunino, Memphis Beach ran one mile in 1:35.50 on a fast track and paid $5.60, $4 and $2.40. Mary Pirone is the winning trainer for owner Blue Mtn Stables.

It was the third win in four tries at the meet for the 5-year-old gelding, all accomplished at the $20,000/$18,000 claiming level. A Washington-bred by Harbor the Gold, Memphis Beach is 6-3-2 in 17 starts lifetime with earnings of $57,198, including $24,892 this season at Emerald Downs.

Posse Power, ridden by Isaias Enriquez, made a late bid for the win but came up a length short. Posse Power paid $5.80 and $2.80.

Songandabullet, ridden by Leslie Mawing, was another 1 ¼-lengths back in third place and paid $2.60 to show. Jack the Pirate, Surfliner and Kenzie Carolina completed the order of finish.

Breaking from the No. 6 post-position, Memphis Beach led through fractions of :24.37, :47.19, 1:10.80 and 1:22.84. He led by 3 ½ lengths into the stretch and head enough energy left to hold off Posse Power.

NOTES: The win on Memphis Beach gave Zunino his third straight two-win day. The 45-year-old Argentinean climbed into ninth place overall with 21 wins. . .Trainer Norma Burnam notched her first win of the meet as Atta Boy Lucky ($7) overcame a slow break to win the seventh race finale, completing a riding double for jockey Eliska Kubinova. . .Zafari Nation ($15) won her second race in six days with a hard-fought triumph over Starlight Gem in Friday’s fourth race. A 3-year-old Nationhood filly, Zafari Nation is owned by Terry Pierce, Karen Angelos and Swag Stables, and trained by Larry Pierce. . .Trainer Joe Toye continued his fine meet as 3-year-old gelding Kahului Bluff ($9) ran down Square Jimmer in the final strides in race five, boosting Toye to 12-for-58 this season. . .Live racing continuesSaturday with the $65,000 Washington Oaks for 3-year-olds fillies at 1 1/8 miles. California invader Lady Fifty Two is the 2-to-1 morning line favorite for owners Dr. Mark Dedomenico and Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. First post is 2:15 p.m.