Jonathan’s Way takes Iroquois S. (G3) to top huge day for Vekoma
September 15, 2024
Jonathan’s Way went gate to wire in the $300,000 Iroquois S. (G3) at Churchill Downs as the highlight of a stellar Saturday for Vekoma that also included a five-length maiden special weight win for Vekoma Rides at Gulfstream Park and Vixen finishing a narrow second in the Natalma S. (G1) at Woodbine.
Vekoma now has three stakes winners and seven stakes horses in his first crop and leads the 2024 Freshman Sires list with 19 individual winners and 22 wins. Jonathan’s Way is his sire’s first graded stakes winner.
Jonathan’s Way was making his second lifetime start Saturday, following a come-from-behind maiden debut score Aug. 17 at Saratoga. The dark bay colt was quick out of the gate this time and led the field through fractions of :23.21 and :46.62. He roared into the stretch and sprinted clear to come home a 2 ¾-length winner in 1:36.08 for the mile on the fast track.
The final time was good for an excellent 89 Beyer Speed Figure.
“From the first day we bought him as a weanling we were impressed by him,” said winning trainer Phil Bauer. “We always knew how impressive he was training into his debut, and when he ran that day at Saratoga, he did so professionally after missing the break. Now, today showing a totally different dimension being on a lead, it’s an amazing feeling moving forward. I’m still trying to put it all in perspective—we’re the favorites on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.”
In addition to the big payday, Jonathan’s Way earned the first 10 points in the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby series. The colt also was awarded $30,000 toward entry fees for Breeders’ Cup World Championships as part of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Dozen Bonus Series.
Owned by Rigney Racing LLC, Jonathan’s Way has earned $186,130 in his two starts. He was bred in Kentucky by Susan L. Anderson Racing LLC and sold for $290,000 at the 2022 Keeneland January sale.