Flying Nova 123, under jockey Roman Cruz, drives to the fastest qualifying time in the first three trials contested today at Will Rogers Downs for the $80,704 OQHRA Mystery Derby.

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

CLAREMORE, OK—OCTOBER 27, 2025—Three trials held Monday afternoon at Will Rogers Downs determined the ten fastest qualifiers to the $80,704 OQHRA Mystery Derby, restricted to accredited Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds.

The finalists will return for the 400-yard final on Monday, November 11, 2025, with the ten fastest from the three heats earning berths into the lucrative event.

Flying Nova 123, a daughter of leading sire Flying Cowboy 123 out of Sr Shegone by Mighty B Valiant, set the top qualifying mark from the opening trial with a clocking of 17.648 seconds, a 91 speed index, under jockey Roman Cruz.

Trained by Jesus Ruiz for breeders and owners Rick and Connie Dickson, the black filly broke alertly, brushed slightly, and powered clear to win by a half-length over her rivals.

Winner of the Golden Driller Stakes in June, Flying Nova continued her consistent local form following a September win at Will Rogers Downs. She has won seven a 14 starts and earned $76,645.

The second-fastest qualifier honors went to stakes winner Relentless Purrsuit, who captured the third trial with authority for owners and breeders Charles and Elizabeth Horton.

The Hes Relentless gelding, out of Redheads Run Hotter by One Sweet Jess, was guided by Ramiro Garcia for trainer Jason Olmstead. Breaking sharply from post two, Relentless Purrsuit veered slightly but maintained control throughout to stop the timer in 17.705 seconds, good for a 90-speed index.

Winner of the Prairie Meadows Gold Derby last summer, Relentless Purrsuit has banked $171,132 from seven wins in 18 starts.

Rounding out the top three qualifiers was Lomax, a bay colt by Ivory James out of Mary Me Anna by Game Patriot. The homebred from Omar Paredes’ program, owned by Tom Maher and trained by Tyler Stein, surged late under jockey Angel Ramirez to take his trial in 17.698 seconds.

Lomax’s powerful closing kick secured his position among the leading contenders heading into the final. A half-brother to second-crop leading sire Chilitos, Lomas has earned nearly $50,000.

The three trial winners displayed sharp form over the fast Will Rogers Downs surface, earning their spots in what promises to be a competitive renewal of the $80,704 OQHRA Mystery Derby final on November 11.

CLICK HERE for the list of qualifiers with times, breeding lines, and connections.

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