Woodbine Mohawk Park: No denying Test Of Faith in Roses Are Red final

Test Of Faith made a statement in Saturday's C$315,000 Roses Are Red final for pacing mares, sweeping past the field in the stretch to a dominant 1:50 1/5 victory at Woodbine Mohawk Park. David Miller guided the defending Horse of the Year from off-the-pace, and the 4-year-old by Art Major showed a blistering late kick that made it impossible for those in front to deny her.

Sent off as the 1-2 favorite, Test Of Faith got away towards the back as Kobe's Gigi, Fire Start Hanover and Gia's Surreal left outside of her and powered to the front. Gia's Surreal and Bob McClure had the front in 26 3/5 with Kobe's Gigi second and Fire Start Hanover in third. Miller was on the wait until near the half, giving McClure and Gia's Surreal the advantage of a 28 2/5 second quarter.

Lit De Rose moved just before the half to offer some cover to Test Of Faith, with Lyons Sentinel up in third-over position. Gia's Surreal pushed the pace up a bit, hitting three-quarters in 1:22 4/5 with Lit De Rose not getting close to her flank. Miller sent Test Of Faith three-deep off the final bend, and the Brett Pelling-trained mare hit high gear in short order and devoured ground, leaving rival Lyons Sentinel in the dust behind.

Gia's Surreal's lead evaporated in short order as Test Of Faith powered by, winning confidently. Fire Start Hanover made up ground along the plyons to get the second spot, with a determined Gia's Surreal holding on to the third spot.

For Test Of Faith it was her third win in five starts this year for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable and Eddie Gran. As the favorite, Test Of Faith returned $3.00.

"I felt pretty good," said Miler of the second-over trip. "I was kind of watching Lyons Sentinel and wanted to stay ahead of her."

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That move gave a few of the leavers an early edge, but Test Of Faith's high turn of speed took care of the final quarter.