ELMONT, N.Y. -- Xtra Heat raced in New York yesterday to remind the sporting world that there is life after the Triple Crown.

The Maryland filly won for the 21st time in 27 races, capturing the $150,000 Grade II Vagrancy Handicap at Belmont Park by a neck as the 3-5 favorite. She sustained pressure at every stage of the 6 1/2 -furlong sprint but still led every step and prevailed at the wire.

"They came at her from all sides," said her trainer and part-owner John Salzman. "She's so game. I never give up on her. I've seen too many of her races where they come up to her, and she has something left."

The Mark Hennig-trained Gold Mover, ridden by Edgar Prado, challenged Xtra Heat out of the gate and into the first turn. Then the John Kimmel-trained La Galerie, ridden by Richard Migliore, took her shot around the turn.

After Xtra Heat dispatched her and surged to a 1 1/2 -length lead in the stretch, Gold Mover regrouped and charged again for one final challenge. Ridden on the rail by Harry Vega, Xtra Heat hung on and earned $90,000 for his Maryland owners: Salzman, Harry Deitchman and Ken Taylor. Her career earnings rose to $1,823,305.

"Carrying 127 pounds, from nine to 14 more than her four opponents, Xtra Heat completed the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1 minute, 16.44 seconds. Her fractions were 22.55, 45.15 and 1:09.75.

The popular filly paid $3.30 to win. The exacta with Gold Mover returned $13.40. The Maryland-bred Shine Again finished third, four lengths behind the runner-up.