Delaware Township Rallies for Forego Victory

Next-to-last in the field of nine after the opening quarter-mile, New Farm's Delaware Township rallied from far back to win Saturday's $250,000 Forego Handicap (gr. I) by 1 1/4 lengths over Left Bank at Saratoga. The lukewarm favorite returned $7.30, $3.70, and $2.70 and earned $150,000 for the win.

Ridden by Jerry Bailey and carrying 116 pounds, Delaware Township covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.53 on a fast track. Left Bank closed well to be second, another three-quarters of a length before Alannan. The order of finish was completed by Wake At Noon, Hook and Ladder, Valiant Halory, Big E E, Texas Glitter, and Bonapaw.

Winning trainer Ben Perkins Jr. had an anxious moment in the stretch.

"When he got to the lead, he jumped to his left lead, but when he heard the horses coming he picked it up again," the conditioner said. "It's hard to loop the field, but that's how he makes his best run."

The win gave Perkins his second graded stake win on the day. Minutes after the Forego, Forest Heiress wired the field to win the $150,000 Sorority Stakes (gr. III) at Monmouth Park.

Perkins said Delaware Township might run in the $250,000 Forest Hills (gr. II) at Belmont on Oct. 9, a race he won last year before finishing 10th in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I).

The win marks Delaware Township's second victory in six starts this year and his ninth in 18 career starts. Delaware Township (Notebook--Sunny Mimosa, by Sunny North) was bred in Florida by Mr. And Mrs. Harry Bono.

Left Bank paid $5.60 and $4.30, while Alannan was $3.50 to show. The winning exacta paid $29.40. (Chart, Equibase)