by Tom De Martini

Paraneck Stable's Magical Forest battled gamely with 6-to-5 favorite Cherokee Artist in a prolonged stretch battle and survived a steward’s inquiry to post a half-length victory in the $300,000 Barbaro Stakes (G3) on July 13 at Delaware Park.

Ridden by Jorge Chavez, Magical Forest, a 15.90-to-1 longshot in a compact field of five, set a moderate pace of :48.78 for a half-mile and 1:12.69 for six furlongs before taking on the challenge of Cherokee Artist.

The pair of three-year-colts exchanged several bumps inside the furlong pole before Magical Forest drew clear in the final yards, crossing the finish line in 1:44.02 on a track rated as fast.

Stewards examined a head-on replay for several minutes before leaving the order of finish unchanged.

“He came in here and did his job very quietly,” said winning trainer Joe DeMola. “The public didn’t respect him, but the colt turned around and proved today that he is a fighter. [Cherokee Artist] collared him a couple of times, but [Magical Forest] looked him in the eye and said, 'Not today.’”

Ready Set gained the show spot over Goldsville.

Magical Forest prepped for the Barbaro with a neck victory over Ready Set in Delaware’s Floor Show Stakes on June 9.

The victory was Magical Forest’s second straight and fourth in 13 lifetime starts. By Forest Camp, out of the Naevus mare Silken Magic, the Kentucky-bred colt earned $180,000 for the Barbaro, boosting his earnings to $315,599.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Tom De Martini is a New Jersey-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent