OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—MARCH 23, 2013—The large sorrel gelding Big Boi continues to grow into his body and his potential as he roared to victory in the Oklahoma Derby, winning by three-quarters of a length.

Owned by Irene Velasquez of Ulysses, Kan. and trained by Verle Bohner, Big Boi used a late rally to score under David Brown. Away from the starting gate, Big Boi normally takes a number of strides to get his momentum going and his Oklahoma Derby run was no different. Once into stride the 3-year-old moved to the front with 100 yards left then drew away to the winning margin, crossing the line in :17.32 seconds.

The 5-2 second choice in the wagering, Big Boi paid $7 to win, $3.60 to place and $3.80 to show. Last First Kiss rallied in to second and returned $9.60 to place and $6 to show. Charvet was third and paid $11 to show.

The coupled entry of Llano Cartel and Colby Cartel was the 8-5 wagering favorite. Llano Cartel led until passed by Big Boi, then fading to sixth. Colby Cartel came on late to gain fourth.

Bred in Oklahoma by Velasquez, Big Boi is by 2003 World Champion Oak Tree Special and from the Corona Cartel mare Bosanova Baby. The Oklahoma Derby win was the third from seven career attempts for Big Boi and he picked up a first-place check of $54,400 to bump his lifetime money to $346,311.

Big Boi provided Velasquez and Bohner with their first Oklahoma Derby wins at Remington Park, where the race has been contested consecutively since 2006. Brown now enjoys a rare double in the race in Oklahoma City. He was the trainer of 2009 winner Spit Curl Diva and now has ridden Big Boi to victory, becoming the first person to have wins has both a trainer and jockey since the event has been held at Remington Park.

Last First Kiss, a Shazoom filly out of Top Shawne by Shawne Bug, races for owner/breeder Alexia Mehrle and is trained by Kasey Willis. Ridden by Russel Hadley, the filly earned $23,120 for her effort.

Victor Rodriguez saddled Charvet for Crowson Racing. The One Famous Eagle colt picked up $14,960 for his third place effort. Bobby D. Cox bred the bay gelding in Texas from the First Down Dash mare Bloomingdales. Oscar Rincon rode him.

Completing the derby field were Colby Cartel, Twenty Ten Secret, Llano Cartel, Teller Ima Rockstar, Hiclass Vodka, First Flyn Dash and Bp Fast Success.

The racing weekend concludes Sunday with an afternoon start time of 1:30pm.

Open daily at 10:30am for casino gaming and simulcast racing, Remington Park features the Bricktown Brewery on the casino floor. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park.

Tracked by over 32,000 fans on Facebook and 3,500 Twitter followers, Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino and is located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.