Delaware: Back Forty earns front-running score in Damitrius Stakes

Taking the lead at the start, Back Forty turned back a determined challenge from Tomorrow’s Tale through much of Wednesday's $50,000 Damitrius Stakes before edging clear late for a 1 1/4-length victory in Wednesday’s six-furlong feature at Delaware Park.

Under a well-judged ride by Abel Castellano Jr., Back Forty cut out fractions of 21.80 and 44.61 seconds with Tomorrow's Tale at his outside flank, and then after dueling into the final furlong, Back Forty finally shook clear under strong urging by Castellano.

Tomorrow's Tale, who was going for his third straight local win, finished three parts of a length ahead of Broad Rule with favored Smash another length back in fourth along the rail after never being a serious threat.

Back Forty, a 5-year-old gelding trained by Mac Robertson, covered the six furlongs over a fast racing strip in 1:09.87 and returned $6.20 as the second choice. He earned $30,000 for winning fourth race from 7 career outings.