Bear Now breaks track record

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Bear Now ($26.70) crushed her opposition in Sunday's $262,800 Selene Stakes at Woodbine, winning the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies in a track-record time of 1:43.73.

Bear Now stalked a rapid pace set by her stablemate, Bear Bullet Too, and My List, who dueled through splits of 23.28 and 46.51 seconds. Bear Now went outside the leaders entering the far turn, then hit the front through three-quarters in 1:11.23 en route to an eight-length victory over Saskawea. Marietta was another neck back in third, while favored Palace Pier finished eighth in the 12-horse field.

The Grade 3 Selene was first start around two turns and the first stakes score for Bear Now, who was ridden by Emile Ramsammy.

"She had the speed to put herself where I wanted her to be," said Ramsammy. "She relaxed behind the pace setters. It worked out perfect."

Bear Now banked $150,000 for Bear Stables Ltd. and trainer Reade Baker.