TORONTO, October 6 - Joshua Tree, trained by Marco Botti, is back for a third consecutive appearance in the Grade 1, $1.5 million Pattison Canadian International, set for Sunday, October 14 at Woodbine.

The son of champion Montjeu won the 2010 edition by a head over Mores Wells, when trained by Aidan O’Brien. Last year, as an 11-1 shot, he finished second to an even bigger longshot, 22-1 runaway winner Sarah Lynx, while under Botti’s care.

The bay five-year-old will be trying to become just the third horse to win two Internationals and this time he’ll certainly be one of the favourites come post time.

Since 1958, when the Pattison Canadian International became a grass race, only two horses have won the classic turf contest twice: Canadian-bred George Royal, consecutively in 1965-66 and Majesty’s Prince in 1982 and 1984.

Joshua Tree arrives at Woodbine fresh from an excellent performance, a close third-place finish, just one and one-quarter lengths behind Orfevre, Japan’s Triple Crown champion and current co-favourite for Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, in the mile and one-half Prix Foy, September 16 at Longchamp. In his previous start, he won a Group 2 at Deauville.

“I thought he was in very good form,” said Botti, about the Prix Foy. “He seems to be coming into his best form recently and seems to enjoy racing. I haven’t trained many horses as tough as he is. Every time he comes back after a race, he’s full of life.”

It’s been a busy year for Joshua Tree, beginning in February in Dubai. He’ll be making his 10th appearance of 2012 Sunday at Woodbine. Botti also expects to confirm a rider for his Pattison hopeful on Monday. Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore have been aboard the last two starts, while Adam Kirby rode him in last year’s International.