King Kressa wins Belmont's Forbidden Apple Stakes

NEW YORK (AP) King Kressa beat Wicked Strong by 2 1/4 lengths Saturday in the $150,000 Forbidden Apple Stakes on the turf at Belmont Park.

It was the ninth career victory - all on grass- for the 6-year-old New York-bred gelding. It was his second straight stakes win here, having captured the Poker last month.

King Kressa and jockey Jose Ortiz grabbed the lead turning for home, fought off a challenge from Reload at the top of the stretch and pulled clear at the end. He ran the mile in 1:32.34.

Wicked Strong rallied from last in his turf debut. He captured the Wood Memorial and the Jim Dandy Stakes last season as a 3-year-old.

King Kressa paid $15.20, $6.10 and $3.80. Wicked Strong returned $5.70 and $3.40, while Vyjack paid $3.10 to show.

Reload, the even-money favorite, was fourth, followed by Grand Arch and Howe Great.