TORONTO, July 20 * Bear Now, a dark bay daughter of Tiznow, led at every call in taking the $155,500 Ontario Matron Stakes, for fillies and mares, Sunday at Woodbine.

Sent off as the 4-5 choice, the four-year-old Kentucky-bred eclipsed the seven-figure mark in career earnings with the 1 ½-length score for owner Bear Stables.

Bear Now kept a closing Serenading, whom she had bested by a head in the Hill 'n' Dale Stakes on June 21, at bay down the lane for the victory timed in a quick 1:42.85 over the Polytrack. Arden Belle rallied for third, another 1 ½-lengths back.

Ridden by Jerry Baird for trainer Reade Baker, Bear Now was notching her second win in four 2008 outings. She'd come into the Matron off that gutsy win in the Hill 'n' Dale.

"She's the queen of Woodbine right now," said Baker, of the eight-time winner from 17 starts, who took the field through opening splits of :24.08 and :47.81. "There was no real speed in the race other than her. They couldn't go and waste their horse chasing her and then she's tough to get if you leave her alone."

In 2007, Bear Now won four of her eight starts and contested the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff at Monmouth, where she finished eighth to Ginger Punch in the 1 1/8-mile event.

Bear Now's biggest win came in the Grade 2 Fitz Dixon Cotillion on September 22, a two-length victory at 8-1 that earned her a career-best 101 Beyer Figure (Daily Racing Form speed rating).

"She's at the top of her game right now," said Baker, of Bear Now, whose career earnings now stand at $1,039,271.

Catch the Thrill was scratched, reducing the field to five starters.

Lomaki and Stop a Train rounded out the field.

Bear Now returned $3.90, $2.20 and $2.10, combining with Serenading ($2.90, $2.10) for an $8.70 exactor. Arden Belle paid $3 to show.