Speed Controller Testing

[hotrodchris]

Ran a 5.5T motor last sunday for the first time in my 410 running standard spur and 25 tooth pinion, it did 4 rnds of qually but in the 3rd final it stopped smoking, was the esc to blame? is there anyway to test it before fitting another new motor and risking it going the same way?
Before being asked the motor was not running excesively hot all day!