Researcher runs down Ravalo

Researcher prevailed in a stretch duel with Ravalo to capture Saturday night's $125,000 Mountaineer Mile Handicap by three-quarters of a length.

Ridden by Deshawn Parker for trainer Jeff Runco, Charles Town shipper Researcher ($5) drew even with pacesetter Ravalo nearing the eighth pole. The two raced in tandem until Researcher inched clear in the final strides. It was another 5 ½ lengths farther back to Woodbine shipper Head Chopper in third.

In winning his third consecutive race since returning from a layoff, Researcher earned a career-high 104 Beyer Speed Figure.He ran the mile on a track labeled good in 1:39.80.