Fifth Avenue All Class in Fashion Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. - Five of the six juvenile fillies in Thursday's $81,000 were unbeaten going in, but only one, Fifth Avenue, remained perfect after posting a nose decision over 27-1 outsider Blissful Trip in the five-furlong dash.

Fifth Avenue, a debut winner for trainer Mark Hennig earlier at Belmont Park's spring/summer meet, stalked pacesetter Stolen Prayer from close range around the turn through an opening quarter of 21.92 seconds, reached the front coming to midstretch after a half-mile in 45.46 seconds, and determinedly staved off Blissful Trip to the wire.

Fifth Avenue, a daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, ran the five furlongs in 58.24 seconds under Pablo Fragoso, and paid $7.30 as the second choice. She earned $48,600 for G R and S Stable.

"She's quick," said Hennig. "It was nice to see her doing the work of wearing down the leader and still being able to hold off a late charge."

Blissful Trip was a clear second after Successful Romance by four lengths. Successful Romance, the 2-1 favorite, broke several lengths behind the field, raced widest on the turn, and finished a neck in front of fourth-place finisher Luxury Ride. Stolen Prayer and Flame Stitch, who stumbled badly at the start, completed the order of finish.