Go On Mary © Benoit Photo

Go On Mary, a 10-1 longshot despite the presence in the saddle of Rafael Bejarano, gamely held off the challenge of 8-5 favored Okinawa to win Friday’s featured $81,330 Daisycutter Handicap at five furlongs over the infield Jimmy Durante Turf Course.

Go On Mary, a four-year-old daughter of Broken Vow owned by McShane Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill, was sent to the lead from the gate by Bejarano, but was stalked from the outset by Okinawa in second place under Corey Nakatani. Responding generously to her rider’s urging in the stretch, Go On Mary hit the wire a half-length in front of her rival. Third, another two and one-quarter lengths back, was Mongolian Shopper, with Symposium fourth in the field of nine grass sprinters.

The winner stepped the distance in a rapid :55.94, slightly more than a second slower than the course record of :54.75 set by Fast Parade in 2006. Go On Mary returned $22.20, $7.20 and $4.60. Okinawa paid $3.60 and $3.40, while Mongolian Shopper returned $9.40 to show.

Go On Mary scored her fourth triumph in 19 starts and first prize of $47,700 increased her earnings to $198,213.

Heriberto Figueroa, talented 18-year-old apprentice jockey, was the day’s riding star, booting in three upset winners – Lucky Staxx in the opener, Family Girl in the second and Tell Me More in the fifth.