A $200,000 turf battle at Woodbine this Saturday carries an unusual prize beyond the purse: a guaranteed starting slot in a major 2027 race at Gulfstream Park. Seven fillies and mares will contest the bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes (G2T), covering 1 1/16 miles on the E.P. Taylor course, with the winner locking up entry to January’s Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2T).
European import Power of Destiny enters off a consistent North American campaign that began in May. Trainer James Begg has guided the 5-year-old Sea The Stars mare to one win, one second, and one third across five starts since her arrival from overseas.
Her Woodbine debut on May 3 produced a runner-up finish on the synthetic surface. She followed with an off-the-board result in the Grade 3 Belle Mahone before breaking through on turf with a narrow allowance optional claiming victory.
Power of Destiny then shipped to Saratoga for a third-place effort on Aug. 5. Ten days later, she faced Grade 2 competition in the Canadian Stakes and finished fourth.
Begg acknowledged the quick turnaround between those last two races may have cost her. Jockey Johnny Velazquez suggested more recovery time would help, prompting the team to give her additional spacing before Saturday’s test.
The mare has raced on Lasix since joining Begg’s barn, a change he credits for her improved consistency compared to her European form. Saturday marks her first attempt on Woodbine’s sweeping outer turf layout.
Purchased for 40,000 guineas at the 2025 Tattersalls December Mares Sale, Power of Destiny has earned $134,119 from 21 lifetime starts. Her ownership group includes Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners, Upland Flats Racing, Jonathan Wilmot, and Nick Bauer.
The Dance Smartly honors the Sam-Son Farm legend who swept the 1991 Canadian Triple Crown and became the first Canadian-bred Breeders’ Cup winner. Bessarabian captured the inaugural edition in 1986.
