Crossword Genius

A bit of a rocket in pearls or horses (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

string

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'horses' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a bit of a rocket in pearls' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'in' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'or' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for string that I've seen before include "Group of horses" , "Number of racehorses" , "Thin piece of cord" , "Procession" , "Something for tying up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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