Jonathan’s Way the second TDN Rising Star for Vekoma

Jonathan’s Way uncorked a huge rally at the half-mile pole to win his debut Saturday at Saratoga by a widening 4 ¼-lengths in a $100,000 maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds.

In addition to becoming Vekoma’s second TDN Rising Star, Jonathan’s Way is the 15^th overall winner for his sire, which tops the First-Crop sire list. Vekoma’s first Rising Star was the filly Anakarina.

Jonathan’s Way was shuffled back to seventh early on in the six-furlong contest before finding his stride entering the turn. He swiftly made up ground around the bend and came five-wide into the stretch. With another big turn of foot, he left Moment’s Notice reeling outside the furlong grounds and finished up very strongly to stop the timer in 1:10.40 on a fast track.

The winner is owned by Rigney Racing LLC and Susan L. Anderson Racing LLC.

Pedigree Notes from the TDN

A $290,000 weanling purchase at Keeneland November in 2022 from the first crop of Vekoma, Jonathan’s Way is the fifth to the races and fifth winner out of stakes winner Female Drama whose most successful runner to date is multiple stakes-placed Startdfromdabottom. Female Drama produced a yearling Thousand Words filly named Dramatic Charlotte in 2023.