Woodbine Racetrack will host one of the most anticipated events of the weekend on Sunday as the $100,000 Alywow Stakes takes centre stage for a talented group of 3-year-old fillies. The 6 ½ furlong contest on the main Tapeta track has attracted a competitive field of 10 runners, with Stroke of Genius among the leading names expected to attract attention.
Alywow Stakes 2026
The race will mark another important step in the development of the promising filly, who is trained by Shelley Fitzgerald and will be partnered by Eswan Flores.
The Alywow Stakes 2026 will feature a field of 10 talented 3-year-old fillies competing over 6 ½ furlongs at Woodbine, with Stroke of Genius aiming to make her mark.
A chestnut daughter of Munnings and the Galileo (IRE) mare Magic Of Reality (FR), Stroke of Genius has earned $42,580 from her first four career starts. Fitzgerald believes the filly has the ability to perform at this level and prepared her specifically for the Alywow Stakes.
The trainer explained that the decision to begin the 2026 campaign over five furlongs on Woodbine’s inner turf was designed to bring her forward ahead of the longer distance.
“She needed a race to get going again,” Fitzgerald said. “The slightly longer distance suits her better, and it was the right setup before the Alywow.”
Bred in Kentucky by Sean Fitzhenry, Stroke of Genius was purchased by Marty Wickins for $80,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Fitzgerald revealed that Wickins had followed the family closely before securing the filly.
The trainer described Stroke of Genius as a determined and highly energetic performer who thrives when she gets to the track.
“She is all business,” Fitzgerald said. “She is very enthusiastic about her training and catches the eye every time she is out there.”
With only two horses in her stable, Fitzgerald also takes a hands-on role in caring for the filly. She praised exercise rider Ruben Peralta, who has developed a strong connection with the talented runner.
The Alywow Stakes carries a special place in Woodbine history, named after the Hall of Fame mare Alywow, who was crowned Canadian Horse of the Year in 1994. The race has previously produced several notable winners, including Lush Soldier in the inaugural running in 2002 and Love Cervere in last year’s edition.
Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse has enjoyed great success in the event, recording four victories through Road to Victory (2018), Mississippi Delta (2015), Dene Court (2012), and Silky Smooth (2007).
Sunday’s programme at Woodbine begins with the opening race scheduled for 1:00 p.m., with the Alywow Stakes serving as the feature attraction of the afternoon.
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