A stretch battle down the lane between two longshots highlighted one of the more exciting editions of the Bold Accent Stakes at Fonner Park Saturday.

Tanabata, at 10-1, shot to an early lead in the four furlong dash and opened up a quick two lengths on the field through the first furlong.  Mount Stepney, 19-1, under a patient Zack Ziegler, steadily increased the pressure on the rail and heading into the lane the pair were heads apart with three lengths on the rest of the field.

Mount Stepney was able to pull to a head advantage but Tanabata would not be put away and surged back to close the gap, just falling short by the slimmest of noses.

“I knew that if I hustled and got a good break we’d be pretty games and that’s what we did,” said Ziegler.

Trainer Sandra Sweere said, “We have every faith in the world in this mare.  She was just fantastic.”

Mount Stepney paid $40.40, $18.80 and $7.00 while Tanabata returned $8.00 and $5.60.  Spice Swirl was able to get up for third and paid $4.60.  Mount Stepney stopped the clock in :46.80