Jockey Roman Cruz rode his second stakes winner on Tuesday when Flying Nova 123 won the $80,704 OQHRA Mystery Derby at Will Rogers Downs.

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

CLAREMORE, OK—NOVEMBER 11, 2025—Flying Nova 123 delivered a commanding performance to capture the $80,704 OQHRA Mystery Derby at Will Rogers Downs on Tuesday afternoon.

The three-year-old Oklahoma-bred filly broke alertly under jockey Roman Cruz and drew clear through the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length, stopping the timer in 17.696 seconds for 350 yards over a fast track with a 20 mph crosswind and earning a speed index of 90.

The daughter of leading sire Flying Cowboy 123, out of Sr Shegone by Mighty B Valiant, was bred and is owned by Rick and Connie Dickson of Oklahoma and is trained by Jesus Ruiz.

The victory, worth $32,782, adds to an already impressive record for the consistent filly, who “got stronger throughout,” according to the chart caller's notes. Also winner of the Golden Driller Stakes at Fair Meadows last summer, Flying Nova 123 has won eight of 15 starts and banked $109,427.

The winning connections of Flying Nova 123 accept the OQHRA Mystery Derby stakes trophy.
© Jack Coady Photography

Relentless Purrsuit, a stakes-winning gelding by Hes Relentless out of Redheads Run Hotter by One Sweet Jess, finished second after overcoming a troubled start. Bred in Oklahoma by Charles and Elizabeth Horton, the gelding races for the same ownership under trainer Jason Olmstead and was ridden by Ramiro Garcia.

Despite hopping at the start and breaking awkwardly, Relentless Purrsuit produced a bold rally in the final yards to earn $15,227, bringing his earnings total to $186,359. He was a $45,000 repurchase at the 2023 Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

Lomax, a brown colt by Ivory James out of Mary Me Anna by Game Patriot, was a game third for owner Tom Maher and trainer Tyler Stein, ridden by Angel Ramirez.

Bred in Oklahoma by Omar Paredes, Lomax showed eagerness throughout the race after a slow start, closing strongly to secure third and the $9,985 share of the purse. Purchased for $25,000 at the 2023 Heritage Place Yearling Sale, he has earned nearly $60,000 in 15 starts.

Flying Nova 123 returned $6.20 to win, $3.60 to place, and $2.60 to show. Relentless Purrsuit paid $3.40 to place and $2.40 to show, while Lomax returned $3.40 to show. The $2 exacta combination of 7-9 paid $21.80, the 50-cent trifecta 7-9-1 returned $23.90, and the 10-cent superfecta 7-9-1-8 paid $16.50.

Following the top three were Valiant Painted Sign, Flying Wrangler, Fine Wine Kisses, Ima Fancy Eye Opener, Brisa de Mar, My Midnight Cowgirl, and Flying Bandida.

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