The first stakes race on Woodbine Mile day was the $300,000 Canadian Stakes (G2) for older fillies and mares. A full field of 14 went to post in this "about" 1 1/8 mile turf event around 1 turn of the turf course, with Diana Stakes (G1) winner Zagora sent off as the 3-1 favorite over 5-1 second choice Fantasia, fourth in the Beverly D (G1) last out, and 11-2 third choice Bay to Bay, third in the Diana Stakes (G1).
Woolly Bear battled for the lead with Never Retreat through fractions of 24.10, 47.65, and 1:12.23 with Stars to Shine stalking the lead pair in third. Entering the stretch, Woolly Bear tired badly to eventually finish last, allowing Never Retreat to inherit the lead midstretch through 1 mile in 1:35.17. Perfect Shirl, 11th early, put in a strong late rally from 6 lengths out but Never Retreat held her off in the final 1/16 to win by 1/2 a length in 1:45.13. It was another length back to Stars to Shine third.
