OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—MARCH 22, 2014—One Valiant Hero ran fifth as a 2-year-old in the Oklahoma Futurity a year ago at Remington Park. Saturday night, the now-3-year-old was best away from the starting gate while going on to win the $200,000 Oklahoma Derby by three-quarters of a length.

Owned by Valeriano Racing Stables of Odessa, Texas and trained by Eddie Willis, One Valiant Hero was ridden by Jimmy Brooks who enjoyed a perfect trip.

“He stood perfectly and when they kicked the gates, he left there running,” Brooks said. “I had them probably by a shoulder when I reached and started getting after him and he just kind of started pulling away. Whenever you ask him, he’ll give it to you.”

One Valiant Hero hit the finish in :17.190 seconds for his fifth career victory and third at Remington Park. Separatist Firstdown rallied for second while This Dude Can Fly was a head behind the runner-up for third.

Away at 5-2 in the wagering, One Valiant Hero paid $7.40 to win, $4.20 to place and $3 to show. Separatist Firstdown, was also 5-2 in the wagering but was favored with slightly more money played on him, paying $3 to place and $3 to show. This Dude Can Fly paid $3.80 to show.

A colt by Valiant Hero from the Feature Mr Jess mare Smiles All Around, One Valiant Hero was bred in Texas by T I Cattle Company. He made $80,000 for the Oklahoma Derby win, running his career total to $199,093.

Three-time stakes winner Separatist Firstdown earned $34,000 to roll his earnings mark to more than $320,000. Isidoro Flores conditions the Separatist colt for owners Oscar Canales Ramirez and Isidro Flores. Regular rider Martin Rubalcava was aboard the sorrel colt from the First Down Dash mare Shesa First Down. Narciso Flores bred the multiple graded stakes winner in Texas.

This Dude Can Fly is owned by Luis De La Cerda and Abel T. Flores. Also trained by Willis, the One Famous Eagle gelding was ridden by Omar Reyes. Bred in Texas by Robert and Helen Wood from the First Down Dash mare Helens First Choice, This Due Can Fly picked up $22,000 for finishing third.

Midnight Cartel, Vh Won, Shazoomin Rose, JJ Hitman, Quick Shooter, Just After Me and This Candy Says Bye completed the field.

Remington Park racing continues with a 10-race program on Sunday afternoon, underway at 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, home of the Grade 2 Oklahoma Futurity, to be run for the 73rd time on March 22, 2014.

Tracked by over 51,000 fans on Facebook and 5,000 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.