Northfield: Test Of Faith readies for Breeders Crown with Courageous Lady victory

Test Of Faith elected to sit a two-hole despite being sent off as the 1-10 favorite in Saturday's $100,000 Courageous Lady at Northfield Park. David Miller's decision proved wise, as the Art Major-sired sophomore pacing filly exploded past second choice Oakwoodanabella IR in the stretch and captured the race in a stakes record 1:50 2/5 clocking.

Oakwoodanabella IR and driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. blasted from post two to take control, and Miller left with purpose with Test Of Faith, securing the pocket late on the opening turn. Wrenn blitzed the first quarter in 26 3/5 with the Irish-imported Oakwoodanabella but went a sensible 55 second first half over a track rated "good" after intermittent showers hit the Northfield half-miler through the course of the program.

It was pretty much a match race, and Wrenn Jr. sensed he needed to get separation from Test Of Faith by putting his foot to the floor and pushing Oakwoodanabella IR through a 27 2/5 third quarter, but he was not able to get away from the favorite.

David Miller pulled the pocket with Test Of Faith on the final turn, and the Brett Pelling-trained miss was in high gear instantly. She rolled by the pacemaker in early stretch and sprinted a final quarter of 28 seconds while under wraps. Oakwoodanabella IR finished second, with Think Of Galaxies picking up the third spot.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

"She's had an incredible season," said Miller following the race. "I couldn't have been happier with the two-hole trip. She's got a turn of speed that's pretty impressive."

As the 1-10 choice, Test Of Faith returned $2.20 to win. It was her 12th win of the season for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stables and Eddie Gran.