Joshua Tree made a victorious return to Woodbine
Joshua Tree seems to love Woodbine’s turf course and the Grade 1, $1,531,868 Pattison Canadian International Stakes’ 1 ½ mile distance, as he went on to win the race for the second time in three year, courtesy of a powerful, front running trip that helped him keep 9 other rivals at bay.
Bred in Ireland by Castlemartin Stud and Skymarc Farm, Joshua Tree made his tenth start of the season in the Canadian International Stakes, and with a single win prior to the Woodbine romp, the son of Montjeu was struggling to turn in big performances.
His only victory came in the Grade 2 Prix Kergorlay over a distance of 1 7/8 miles at Deauville-France on 19 August, 2012.
Khalid K. al Nabooda and Kamel Albahou’s world traveller, was front wheeling throughout 1 ½ miles, and in the stretch increased his pace to fend off late challenges from his rivals. Dandino showed immense stamina to muster up a powerful run in the stretch, and the stalker, Forte Dei Marmi tried to catch-up with the leader, but fell half length short in the process.
Out of Grand Lodge mare Madeira Mist, Joshua Tree won the 2010 edition of the Canadian International Stakes, where he denied Mores Wells and Redwood a chance of winner, who finished second and third respectively, while Joshua Tree wrapped up proceedings in 2 minutes and 32.72 seconds.
Last year, Joshua Tree finished second in the Canadian International Stakes to winning filly, Sarah Lynx. Sent at 4 to 1, Joshua Tree covered his 1 ½ mile journey this year in 2 minutes and 30.89 seconds.
"That was always the plan, to get to the front and dictate our own tempo," Dettori said immediately after the race. "He was third in a good race in France. But this was always the target. He's won it before, second last year. Who knows? He might be back next year."
Frankie Dettori was aboard the bay horse for the second time only, and duo’s last start was in the Group 2 Prix Foy at Longchamp, where they finished third to winner, Orfevre.
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