Frankie Dettori is one of the best jockeys in the world and one of the most effective "big race" riders you will ever find. And while he's likely on the latter side of his career he's still extremely dangerous riding a talented horse in a race with prestige and a big purse.
In Sunday's Grade 1 Pattison Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine, Dettori took the 2010 International winner Joshua Tree (IRE) right to the front of the field upon leaving the starting gate. From there, Frankie simply applied the breaks and set his mount on cruise control, slowing the pace to a wonderfully consistent stroll all the way around the course. Joshua Tree kicked out internal splits of 25.68, 25.86, 25.57 and 25.88 through the first mile of the race, and then grinded the last half mile in an almost carbon-copy 50.88.
According to the Trakus data, Joshua Tree ran the final 1/16th of a mile is a brisk 5.13. Runner-up Dandino (GB) closed in a race-best 4.96 and could have been very dangerous had Joshua Tree been forced to work harder through the first mile.
Below is the video replay from the Woodbine YouTube page.