Meadowlands: Mikala, Test Of Faith throw down in Graduate Mare Pace

In a dazzling final quarter clocked in 25 seconds flat, Mikala, piloted by George Brennan, staved off a charging Test Of Faith, who came home in 24 3/5, to win the single $40,000 Graduate Series event for 4-year-old mare pacers on Saturday at the Meadowlands in 1:48 3/5.

Mikala got away in the pocket behind Oakwoodanabella IR (Todd McCarthy), but moved to the top past the 27 2/5 opening quarter. Meanwhile, Test Of Faith (David Miller), coming off a win in last Saturday's Roses Are Red Stakes final at Woodbine Mohawk Park, watched the action from third.

Brennan backed down the tempo to 55 3/5 at the half and 1:23 3/5 at three-quarters, but when McCarthy tipped out before that latter station and Miller also vacated the cones, it was game on. Test Of Faith went by an out-kicked Oakwoodanabella IR in the stretch and set her sights on Mikala, but Mikala had enough in the tank to fend off the defending Horse of the Year, defeating her by a head. Oakwoodanabella IR was a clear third.

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A daughter of Always B Miki, Mikala is trained by Nik Drennan for owners Joseph Davino, Brad Shackman, Anthony Perretti Farm LLC., and Drennan Stable LLC. Undefeated in four starts this year, Mikala is now a ten-time winner from 22 career appearances, and she hiked her earnings to $226,032. She was the 5-1 second choice and paid $12.80 to win.