SARATOGA SPRINGS – Taking advantage of a blistering speed duel, Marley Vale came from off the pace to win the Grade 1, $250,000 Test Stakes here yesterday by 2 lengths.

The victory gave trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez their second stakes victory of the meet’s first four days. They teamed up to win the Sanford Thursday with More Than Ready.

California shipper Olympic Charmer, breaking from the rail as the favorite, battled for the early lead along with Sapphire n’ Silk and Bag Lady Jane through a vicious first quarter-mile in :21.4. As Olympic Charmer dropped back Sapphire n’ Silk and Bag Lady Jane continued their duel through a half in a blazing :44.

Marley Vale, sitting pretty a few lengths off the early leaders, began her rally on the turn, caught them in midstretch and drew clear. Longshot Awful Smart rallied for second, just holding off the late charge of Emanating.

Marley Vale, who ran the seven furlongs in 1:22.3, paid $9.40 as the second choice topping a $230.50 exacta.

Gather The Day was a late scratch after flipping over in the paddock, a scary reminder of the accident that cost the top filly Three Ring her life before the Mother Goose. Gather The Day fell on her withers and head but luckily she landed on the lawn and was back up right away, apparently none the worse for wear.