Meadowlands: Rocket Deo blasts off in Shady Daisy

Rocket Deo and Andy McCarthy needed a long journey to gain control but dug in bravely in the stretch to capture Saturday afternoon's $101,000 Shady Daisy, for sophomore pacing fillies at the Meadowlands, in a career-best 1:49 mile.

The action was fast and furious from the outset in the Shady Daisy, with Stonecoldtreachery and Bob McClure hustling quickly past Miraculous Deo to take control at the 26 3/5 opening quarter. McClure saw immediate pressure when Canigetalouploup and driver David Miller pounced on her off the opening bend to take control. McCarthy had followed the outer flow with the Brett Pelling-trained Rocket Deo, and the daughter of Captaintreacherous assumed command before completing the first half in 53 4/5.

McCarthy was looking for company on the final turn, and when favored Caviart Belle and driver Yannick Gingras went to the outside, she flushed the cover of Stonecoldtreachery. Rocket Deo hit three-quarters in 1:21 4/5 and tried to sprint free, leaving the door ajar for the pocket-sitting Canigetalouploup, whom Miller angled out to challenge. A stretch battle ensued, but Rocket Deo kept digging in and gamely held off the closers, surviving with a 27 1/5 final quarter with Canigetalouploup a head back in second and Lou Lou and driver Scott Zeron rallying strongly late for third. The Pelling-trained Sweet Gal came through for fourth with Miraculous Deo fifth.

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Rocket Deo is owned by Morrison Racing Stables and John D. Fielding. She was a winner for the sixth time in eight tries this year. Rocket Deo paid $10.80 to win. Out of the stakes winning mare Rocklamation, Rocket Deo was bred by Deo Volente Farms and T L P Stable.

"I had pretty good faith in her," said McCarthy. "I thought I was beat in mid-stretch. She's a gritty girl."