Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Jonathan’s Way

Sep 17, 2024 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Rigney Racing’s Jonathan’s Way earned 10 points on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series leaderboard following his 2 3/4-length score in the $254,745 Iroquois S. (G3) at Churchill Downs on Sept. 14. The winner led at every call in the tilt while clocking one mile on the fast dirt surface in 1:36.08 under jockey Joel Rosario.

“In his last start he didn’t show that much speed from the gate, but when he broke so well today, he just took himself to the front and traveled so easily around there,” his pilot stated. “Being only his second start, you have to be impressed with how he’s handled so far and I think anything is possible for him down the Road to the Kentucky Derby.”

Owen Almighty, Giocoso, Mesero, and Sandman rounded out the top five and earned qualifying points on a 5-3-2-1 basis, respectively.

Jonathan's Way took the first prep race on the Road to Kentucky Derby 151 on Saturday @ChurchillDowns with a win in the Iroquois!

He is your TS Stable Alerts Horse of the Week and click the link below to add him to your stable!#NeverMissAWinner ⤵️ https://t.co/7q4PL6qxmS pic.twitter.com/3XbxmOSTEP

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) September 17, 2024

Trained by Phil Bauer, the juvenile colt was unveiled on Aug. 17 at Saratoga and overcame a poor start with a huge finish en route to a 4 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong heat on the main strip. His lifetime line reads 2-2-0-0, $186,130.

Jonathan’s Way was bred in Ohio by Susan Anderson and brought the gavel down at $290,000 at the 2022 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale as a weanling. The son of exciting freshman sire Vekoma is the first black-type victor produced from the stakes-winning Indian Charlie mare Female Drama. This is the same female line as 2001 Kentucky Derby (G1) victor Monarchos as well as two-time Group 1 heroine New Real Deal.

The colt has registered Brisnet Speed figures of 89 and 93 from his pair of runs to date, which includes Late Pace figures of 97 and 94. He was very professional in the Iroquois and gives the impression of a horse with a high ceiling going forward to me.

Jonathan’s Way will likely make his next appearance in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar on Nov. 1, according to his conditioner.