Jockey Frankie Dettori on a short-priced favorite is a combination difficult to beat anywhere in the world. The 50-year-old superstar proved that yet again by giving odds-on favorite Walton Street a perfect ride Sept. 18 to demolish the field in the Pattison Canadian International (G1T) at Woodbine.
The sentimental choice, Desert Encounter, trying to become only the second horse to win the International three times, finished valiantly in second. But neither he nor the other six rivals could come close to Walton Street's performance.
The Godolphin homebred trained by Charles Appleby was making his North American debut in the International, a 1 1/2-mile turf event with a purse of CA$608,400 (US$476,341). A 7-year-old gelded son of Cape Cross—Brom Felinity, by Encosta de Lago, he previously spent his career racing in Europe and Dubai.
Walton Street put together a three-stakes winning streak of the 2020 Eqtidaar Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket, combined with the Dubai Racing Club Classic Sponsored by Aliyah By Azizi and Dubai City of Gold Sponsored by Emirates Holidays (G2) at Meydan Racecourse this year. None of his International competition had that kind of winning streak, leading to bettors making Walton Street the 4-5 favorite.
When the gate opened, 41-1 Primo Touch, who was coming off a five-length allowance optional claimer win at Woodbine, galloped to the lead. Dettori positioned Walton Street in second, well behind the early pacesetter, but well ahead of the rest of the field.
Dettori appeared unconcerned with Primo Touch, even when that leader increased his advantage to 3 1/2 lengths around the large first turn and onto the backstretch.
As they began to approach the second turn, Walton Street closed the gap, but only by a couple of lengths. Dettori appeared confident that his mount would have the necessary kick once they turned for home, and that's exactly what happened. Walton Street pulled even with Primo Touch at the top of the stretch and then began to draw away from the field.
The 9-year-old Desert Encounter, with Emma-Jayne Wilson a late jockey substitution after Daniel Tudhope reportedly had problems with immigration paperwork, closed ground from seventh early to earn runner-up honors. Dettori had Walton Street in hand to easily defeat Desert Encounter by 5 3/4 lengths, stopping the clock in 2:29.07. Primo Touch held on for third, another 4 3/4 lengths back.
"I think, to be honest, it worked out perfectly how we thought it would," said assistant trainer Alex Merriman. "Frankie had his game plan and always knew he was going to kick on. He's done it nicely—I was delighted with him. We're delighted for the horse to win a grade 1. He's been with us a long time, and he's a favorite in the yard."
Dettori won the International for the fourth time, adding to victories aboard Joshua Tree in 2012, Sulamani in 2004, and Mutafaweq in 2000. Joshua Tree is the only horse to have won the race three times, though Dettori only partnered him in his third victory.
If Walton Street goes on to the Breeders' Cup, he could become only the second horse to win the Canadian International and the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) in the same year. Chief Bearhart completed that double in 1997. Both Dettori and Godolphin have succeeded in the Breeders' Cup Turf, Dettori most recently with Enable in 2018 and Godolphin most recently with Talismanic in 2017.
Walton Street brings true international roots to his International victory. His dam, Brom Felinity, raced four seasons in her native Australia, winning the 2006 Hilton International Stakes (G2) and Westpoint Ford Werribee Cup. She produced her first few foals in Australia, including the hard-knocking gelding Macavity, who started 68 times and earned $130,964.
