Joshua Tree Possible for American St. Leger

Seven-year-old globetrotter Joshua Tree is eying a possible run in the Listed $400,000 American St. Leger on Aug. 16, according to the International Racing Bureau.  A winner of an incredible three consecutive Group I Canadian Internationals, the son of the late Montjeu is exiting a seventh of 10 in the Group II Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal Ascot meeting – a race which has produced both winners of the St. Leger, Jakkalberry in 2012 and Dandino in 2013. 

 

The Ed Dunlop trainee finished one spot behind Dandino in this year’s edition of the oft-competitive Hardwicke and could get a chance to turn the tables on Million Day if Dandino makes the planned trip, as well.  Such looks doubtful at this point, as Dandino finished a disappointing sixth and last in the Group II Princess of Wales’s on July 10 at Newmarket.

 

Off form since his victory in October’s Canadian International, the bay horse has failed to hit the board in six consecutive events – including four Group I fixtures.  Despite that statistic, he did run a decent race in the Group I Prix Ganay at Longchamp in April over a trip short of his best, finishing fifth behind champions Cirrus des Aigles and Treve and only 1¼ lengths behind Arlington Million hopeful Smoking Sun. 

 

If the K. K. Al Nabooda and K. Albahou-owned campaigner does make the trip, the race will mark the eleventh country in which he has performed in his six-year career.  In addition to his home base of England and his aforementioned trips to Canada and France, he has also competed in the United Arab Emirates, China (Hong Kong), Italy, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Qatar.