Dayton: Uncovered trip proves no issue for Test Of Faith in Dayton Distaff Derby

Test Of Faith and driver David Miller chose to do it the hard way on Saturday night, but the first-over trip didn't bother the defending Horse of the Year, as she rolled to another victory in the $250,000 Dayton Distaff Derby at Hollywood Dayton, scoring impressively in a 1:51 2/5 mile.

Miller left between horses and settled in fourth in the early stages as Gias Surreal and driver Aaron Merriman blasted from post eight to overtake Amazing Dream N and Yannick Gingras on the opening bend. Amazing Dream N would regain the top past the 27 2/5 first quarter and set the tempo.

Test Of Faith pulled three-eighths of a mile into the race and provided ideal cover for Kobe's Gigi, who upset her on Hambletonian Day. Some two months later, Test Of Faith was in control of her own destiny, and despite taking air through the 56 2/5 half-mile clocking and three-quarters in 1:24 1/5, was still hungry for more as the field turned into the home stretch.

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In what turned into a two mare contest, Miller just shook the lines behind the Brett Pelling-trained daughter of Art Major, and she responded in kind with a 27 1/5 final quarter to complete the mile. Amazing Dream N held for second, well ahead of third-place finisher Gias Surreal.

"She pretty much takes what I give her. I have a world of confidence in her," said Miller following the race. "Brett does a great job with her."

It was the ninth win in 15 starts for Test Of Faith during her 4-year-old season for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable and Eddie Gran. Test Of Faith returned $2.10 to her supporters.