Columbus, OH — Test Of Faith was able to assert her dominance in the $250,000 Dayton Distaff Derby at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway on Saturday (Oct. 1).
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As the gate opened, Amazing Dream N (Yannick Gingras) and Gia’s Surreal (Aaron Merriman) would battle through the first eighth, but Merriman was able to guide Gia’s Surreal to the lead at the quarter in :27.2.
After a testing quarter, Gingras tipped outside and re-took the lead heading to the three-eighths pole. Heavy favorite Test Of Faith (David Miller) felt the leaders getting a breather and began her first over bid. The 2021 Horse of the Year battled with leaders past three-quarters in 1:24.1.
Amazing Dream N led the field into the stretch with Gingras urging her on, but Test Of Faith was confidently handled under a hand drive by Miller to win in 1:51.2 for trainer Brett Pelling.
Bulldog Hanover rode second over cover and had to come three-wide off the final turn to win the $250,000 Dayton Pacing Derby in 1:50.1.
There was an early skirmish for the lead, with American Courage (Matt Kakaley) making the front through a quick first quarter of :26.2. Workin Ona Mystery (Miller) was flushed out by Bulldog Hanover (Dunn), coming to the half in :54.4.
Moving up the backstretch, the outer flow pressured the leader, and past the three-quarter pole, Bulldog Hanover tipped three-wide after being parked the mile and drew off to win easily in the stretch.
To watch the video replays, click here.