MAYBE SO WINS THE MOUNTAINEER JUVENILE STAKES!

Maybe So wore down favored Circle Unbroken inside the final furlong to pull a mild upset in the $100,000 Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes this afternoon at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort.

Ridden to victory by Mike Smith, Maybe So broke quickest of all in a field of seven but was beaten to the lead by No Way R J, who sprinted away to a one-length advantage while setting a quick pace of :21.99 and :44.80. Maybe So was right behind in him second, followed Circle Unbroken and Pitch N Roll. Sydney's Harley Boy, Gefest, and Ledokol were the early trailers.

Rounding the turn, Circle Unbroken made a bold run to challenge No Way R J for the lead, and the two pulled three lengths clear of a patient Maybe So. However, in the final quarter mile, Maybe So put in a strong run on the far outside that put him on even terms with Circle Unbroken passing the eighth pole. The two leaders then put on a thrilling show during the final 220 yards, with Maybe So eventually emerging on top by a neck while stopping the clock for six furlongs in the quick time of 1:10.09.

There was a seven-length gap back to Pitch N Roll, who finished a neck in front of Sydney's Harley Boy for third. No Way R J, Ledokol, and Gefest trailed the field.

The winner is owned by Adele B. Dilschneider and trained by Gary Simms.

-Keelerman