OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—MARCH 26, 2015—A return to Remington Park seemed to make a positive difference for Novas Gold who was an impressive 1-1/2 length winner in Thursday’s $22,700 allowance-optional $35,000 claiming event.

Owned by Gene Cox of Chester, S.C. and trained by Donnie Strickland, Novas Gold was guided home to his easy win by Joe Badilla. Away quickly from the starting gate, Novas Gold was a clear leader by the midway point of the 330 yards, crossing the finish in :16.565 over a fast track. JK Hard Times, the wagering 6-5 favorite, was second while Fillemup Phil was along for third.

At 3-1 odds, Novas Gold paid $8.80 to win, $3.60 to place and $4.20 to show. JK Hard Times returned $2.80 to place and $2.80 to show. Fillemup Phil paid $3.60 to show.

The win was the third from 17 career starts for Novas Gold, who had not won a race in nearly 15 months. An Oklahoma-bred 5-year-old gelding by Gold Medal jess from the Hot Colours mare Hot Nova, Novas Gold picked up $14,858 for the victory to move his lifetime bankroll to $81,464.

The first race on Friday and Saturday at Remington Park is at 6pm. Sunday racing begins at 1:30pm. All times are Central. Saturday night racing features the Grade 1, $100,000 Leo Stakes. Also on the program, the Paul Harber Memorial for Oklahoma-bred Paints and Appaloosas. Major Tom, the 2014 Remington Park Horse of the Meeting and Champion Appaloosa, has been entered.

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, home of the million-dollar Remington Park Futurity program on Saturday, April 18.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tracked by over 78,000 fans on Facebook and 6,100 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.