Woodbine: Joshua Tree uncatchable winning Canadian International for second time

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — The world traveler Joshua Tree captured the $1.5 million Canadian International for the second time Sunday at Woodbine, giving jockey Frankie Dettori a record-tying third victory in the Grade 1 turf fixture.

Joshua Tree won the International in 2010, and he finished a troubled second in the race last year. This time, he went right to the front and set soft fractions en route to becoming just the second wire-to-wire winner of the 12-furlong race since it was switched to the turf in 1958. Over good ground, the final time was 2:30.89.

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“That was always the plan, try to get to the front,” Dettori said. “I was very happy after a half-mile. I was able to dictate my own tempo. When I kicked for home at the quarter pole, I knew I had plenty of horse left.”

Dandino rallied wide from mid-pack to finish a half-length back at 25-1, under Jim Crowley.

“He ran a simply phenomenal race,” said Crowley. “Down the lane, he was always battling back. He wouldn’t quit. I had a great trip. Another stride or two, and I think we could have won it.”

Forte Dei Marmi, based at Woodbine with trainer Roger Attfield, made a strong bid in the stretch before flattening out a little, and wound up another half-length back in third under John Velazquez.

“I had a perfect trip,” said Velazquez. “I was saving ground, right behind the speed. We came running, and just got caught for second. He handled the turf perfect. Good horses beat him today, that’s it.”

Wigmore Hall outran Air Support for fourth, and 9-5 favorite Imperial Monarch finished a fading sixth. Scalo, Reliable Man, Prince Will I Am, and Lay Time completed the order of finish.

Joshua Tree returned $10.70 as the co-second-choice, and earned $900,000 for owners Khalid Kalifa al Nabooda and Kamel Albahou.

The Canadian International is a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re in event, but trainer Marco Botti’s wife, Lucie, said Joshua Tree will make his next start in the Group 1 Japan Cup in November. Dettori said he hopes to ride Joshua Tree, a 5-year-old son of Montjeu, in that race.