Article published on 20 October 2010
Joshua Tree Wins Pattison International Stakes
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The 1 1/2 mile turf outing for 3-year-olds and up attracted a field of nine, including British-bred 4-year-old colt Redwood, who delivered a storming victory in this race last year, and was expected to do the same this year.
But Irish-bred 3-year-old colt Joshua Tree had other plans. Despite having a shoe refitted just minutes before the start, Joshua Tree was calm and collected when the race began and settled into a comfortable fourth.
Meanwhile, early pacesetter Fifty Proof was happy to lead the field at a moderate pace, and it was only at the top of the stretch that Joshua Tree's rider, Colm O'Donoghue, asked the colt for more, who responded.
He found a gap and began chasing down Fifty Proof, who he caught and passed with less than 120 yards to go. He also successfully fought off last ditch challenges from longshot Mores Wells and favourite Redwood.
Joshua Tree crossed the line of the Pattison International Stakes first in a time of 2:32.72, while Mores Wells held on for second and Redwood snagged third. It was the winning jockey's first race and win in Canada.
Said a thrilled O'Donoghue, 'He broke well and he settled into position down the backstretch. Everything went well and when the pace started to pick up a half-mile out, he got himself into the best position in the race.'
Trained by champion Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien, Joshua Tree's victory in the Pattison earned him an automatic berth in the prestigious Breeders' Cup Turf (Gr 1) on November 6 this year at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.
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