LAUREL, MD. 10-04-13---Steve & Debbie Jackson’s Deco Rocks only had two horses beaten at the top of the stretch, but after a relentless drive, got up in time to win today’s $47,000 allowance feature at Laurel Park at odds of 67-1.

The daughter of Rockport Harbor was ridden by apprentice Victor Carrasco for trainer Flint Stites. She was dismissed in the wagering today after a last place finish at Charles Town in the Potomac Handicap last time out. The 5-year-old mare had not won since July 1, 2011 but did have eight in the money finishes in 15 starts since that score before the Potomac. 

“She has been a hard luck horse. In her last start she was stuck on the rail and had no chance,” Stites said. “She had not won in awhile but had plenty of on the board finishes. There was plenty of speed early in the race and Victor did a good job of getting her outside and she ran them down.”

Deco Rocks completed the 5-1/2 furlong distance in 1:03.42 and paid $136.40. The daughter of Rockport Harbor topped a $788 exacta and $1,880.60 trifecta.

Classy Coco, who won the 2012 Jim McKay Maryland Million Lassie, finished second, three-quarters of a length back. She is expected to compete in the Maryland Million Lassie here on Oct. 19.

About Laurel Park

Laurel Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.