Fast Flashn (6) easily wins the Grade 2 Pauls Valley Stakes around the turn at Remington Park with Ricky Ramirez up.

© Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–MAY 3, 2025–Turn-racing dominance in the Grade 2, $51,600 Pauls Valley Stakes came to an end Saturday at Remington Park, as favored O Donovan Rossa didn’t fire the effort needed to win the race for a third consecutive year. The best effort belonged to Fast Flashn, who moved quickly to the lead from the start and held strong throughout the 870 yards.

The Pauls Valley Stakes, named after the city located about one hour south of Remington Park and Oklahoma City, is for American Quarter Horses, 3-year-olds and older around the turn.

Fast Flashn started from post-position six and didn’t let the outside spot hinder his chances as he moved sharply from the gate-break to the front, avoiding being hung out in the middle of the turn. O Donovan Rossa also started well but never had enough to really challenge the winner.

When the field reached the top of the stretch, Fast Flashn was clear by two lengths. Under veteran Ricky Ramirez, Fast Flashn had plenty in reserve to hold off any possible challenges but none came as he hit the finish 2-3/4 lengths in front. The 5-year-old gelding covered the turn distance in :44.456 on the fast track for an impressive speed index of 107.

Fast Flashn was 2-1 in the wagering and paid $6.20 to win, $3.60 to place, and $3 to show. O Donovan Rossa returned $2.80 to place and $2.40 to show. Wynnchester paid $5.20 to show.

A son of A Passion For Flashn from the Louisiana Senator mare Hope Sheza Fast, Fast Flashn is owned by Billy Tarango and trained by James J. Gonzales II. The winner picked up $29,400 to run his lifetime earnings to $212,646.

Fast Flashn won his sixth race from 21 starts with one second and three thirds.

This is the first win in the Pauls Valley Stakes for Tarango and Gonzales II. Ramirez won the race for the second time as he also scored in 2015 with Emperor Valerian.

O Donovan Rossa, ridden by Roman Cruz, settled for second as the wagering favorite at 8-5 odds. Wynnchester, piloted by Edwin Escobedo, was third, 3-3/4 lengths behind the winner.

Dee Keener saddled O Donovan Rossa for owner Kelly Yother Equine, LLC. Garvan Kelly bred the seven-year-old son of Apollitical Jess in Oklahoma out of Shanachee by Country Chicks Man. He has a race record of 13-8-6 and earnings of $378,364 from 43 starts.

Bobby D. Cox bred Wynnchester in Texas out of the FDD Dynasty mare Nellie Delaney. Mike Joiner trains the two-time winning son of Favorite Cartel for owner Lucky Ladies. The three-year-old gelding has earned $34,728 from 13 starts..

The remaining order of finish was FL Rizzo (fourth), Invincible Streak (fifth), Katch This Eagle (sixth) and Rock Ya Later (seventh). Jess Rite was scratched from the Pauls Valley before racing started Saturday.

Remington Park racing continues Sunday, May 4, with the first of 10 races set for 4 pm Central.

ABOUT REMINGTON PARK
Remington Park has provided more than $377 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District, Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. The 2025 American Quarter Horse Season, features the $1,000,000 Heritage Place Futurity on May 31, the final night of this meet. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

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