Testing One Two prevails in Crescent City Oaks

Back with Louisiana-breds, Testing One Two was back in the winner’s circle Saturday at Fair Grounds, scoring a convincing victory in the $75,000 Crescent City Oaks.

Under Diego Saenz, Testing One Two raced several lengths off Champagne Diva’s splits of 24.18 and 47.83 seconds in this race at one mile and 70 yards before sweeping smoothly into contention past the three-furlong marker. Testing One Two collared Champagne Diva shortly after straightening for home, headed her at the furlong pole, and pulled clear to the wire, stopping the timer in 1:43.21. She paid $4.20 to win as much the best filly. Testing One Two was cross-entered in Saturday’s Fair Grounds Oaks but was scratched in favor of this restricted race.

Testing One Two tried the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra on Feb. 17 in her most recent start after posting three blowout wins at Delta Downs, and while she finished a well-beaten fifth in the Rachel Alexandra, the performance probably wasn’t a fair billing. Testing One Two, who is based at the Evangeline Training Center in central Louisiana, got washy before her last race and wound up contesting a strong pace, which does not at all seem like her preferred style. On Saturday, she was far more settled and showed an impressive turn of foot while looming into contention.

Champagne Diva, who looked about a head shorter than the formidable Testing One Two, held second over a closing Remember Daisy, who had trouble on the backstretch. Second choice Saints Girl was caught wide on the first turn, made an early and overly aggressive bid on the backstretch, and flattened out.

Victor Arceneaux trains Testing One Two for Evelyn Benoit’s Brittlyn Stables. The filly, whose record now stands at 6-4-0-1, is by Star Guitar, who was campaigned by Brittlyn and stands stud in Louisiana for the operation, and out of the Scat Daddy mare Yes Sir, who also raced for Brittlyn.

Arceneaux said Testing One Two could be considered for a return to open stakes competition this spring, mentioning a possible trip to Pimlico Race Course, presumably for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes on May 18.