Oceanport, N.J. – USA Thoroughbreds’ Little Hitman grabbed the lead at the top of the stretch and held off the late charge of an unlucky Credo to capture the $50,000 allowance feature at Monmouth Park on Friday by nearly a length.

Ridden by Pedro Cotto Jr., Little Hitman stopped the timer for six furlongs over a fast main track in 1:11.25 and paid $4.20, $2.80 and $2.60 as the 11-10 favorite in the field of eight New Jersey-bred colts and geldings.Credo, who was stopped along the fence in the lane, angled out late but came up short at the wire.Credo completed the $12.40 exacta and paid $3.60 and $3.20.It was another two lengths back to pacesetter Beyond City Limits, who paid $6.40 to show.

“He’s a neat Jersey-bred,” said winning trainer Kelly John Breen.“We’ll keep him going in the New Jersey-bred ranks.He’s a good runner and showed that today.”

A 4-year-old ridgling by Wildcat Heir from the Is It True mare Wish It Were, Little Hitman has won his last two and now sports a record of 3-5-0 from 10 outings.

Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Saturday, June 25, for the first of the two-day Wine and Chocolate Festival.Gates open 11:30 a.m., first post 12:50 p.m.