Chester, WV (My Sportsbook) - Longshot Soul Warrior, ridden by Miguel Mena, upset Kentucky Derby champ Mine That Bird and post-time favorite Big Drama to win Saturday's 40th running of the $750,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park.

While Mine That Bird was the 3-5 morning-line favorite, Big Drama went off as a slight favorite over the gelding. Big Drama was 4-5 on the tote board and 'Bird' went off at 9-10.

Big Drama, ridden by Eibar Coa, set the pace in the 1 1/8 mile event. The colt opened a lead of about 10-lengths over the field with Monty's Best running in second and 23-1 longshot Soul Warrior in third. Mine That Bird was racing last in the field of six three-year-olds.

Big Drama continued on the lead as the field entered the stretch with Soul Warrior and Mine That Bird drawing closer with every stride. Mine That Bird, with Mike Smith aboard, could not best either of the two other horses, even as Big Drama began to tire.

With less than 50-yards to go Soul Warrior surged past the leader and hit the wire by a neck over Big Drama. Mine That Bird was another 1 1/2-lengths back in third.

Soul Warrior, owned by Zayat Stables, covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.46 on a fast track.

Completing the order of finish was Awesome Rhythm, Sunday Sunrise and Monty's Best. Sunday Sunrise was coupled with the winner.

Trained by Steve Asmussen, Soul Warrior recorded the biggest win of his career Saturday. The chestnut colt adds $450,000 to his bankroll which now totals $582,220.

A winner of three of seven lifetime starts, Soul Warrior was coming off a second-place finish to Duke of Mischief in the Iowa Derby. Duke of Mischief will take on Asmussen-trainee Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell Invitational on Sunday.

Soul Warrior returned $48.00, $8.00 and $2.60. Big Drama paid $2.80 and $2.20, and Mine That Bird paid $2.20 to show.