Sterwins scores at 13-1 in Ben Ali

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Sterwins, the longest shot in a field of six, circled the field and pulled away from heavily favored Go Between to post a 13-1 upset Sunday in the Grade 3, $150,000 Ben Ali Stakes at Keeneland.

With Shaun Bridgmohan riding for Melnyk Racing Stables and trainer Malcolm Pierce, Sterwins returned $28.80 after winning his Polytrack debut by 3 1/4 lengths. Go Between, the 1-2 favorite, finished another 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Sir Whimsey in the 1 1/8-mile race.

"He's one of those horses that always makes a nice run at the end," said Bridgmohan.

It's a Bird led most of the way, but then the field bunched together, with Go Between looming boldly from the outside. But even farther out, Sterwins was full of run, and he went past with ease to finish in 1:48.53.

Sterwins, a gray 5-year-old gelding by Runaway Groom, was bred in Ontario by Eugene Melnyk. He now has won 6 of 17 career starts.