NEW YORK - Forbidden Apple never flinched in going gate-to-wire for a three-quarter length victory in the $400,000 Manhattan Handicap, one of four stakes races on Saturday's Belmont Stakes undercard.

Perfect Sting, a top-notch mare challenging the boys for the first time, was in contention coming into the far turn but dropped back in the stretch and finished sixth in the field of 10.

Forbidden Apple, ridden by Corey Nakatani, burst from the gate and took the lead with Turnofthecentury in pursuit. The 6-year-old, trained by Christophe Clement, then withstood a late run by favored King Cugat to earn $240,000 for owner Arthur Appleton.

Forbidden Apple, making his first start of the year, covered the 1¼-mile race on the grass in 2:00 3-5. The horse has seven wins in 20 lifetime starts.

The winner paid $16, $6 and $3.90.

King Cugat, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Jerry Bailey, returned $3.30 and $2.50. Tijiyr, a 5-year-old gray ridden by Gary Stevens, was third and paid $3.10 to show.