1Jonathan's Way

Rigney Racing and trainer Phil Bauer celebrated a significant victory Saturday as Jonathan’s Way took the field gate-to-wire in the 43rd running of the $254,745 Iroquois Stakes (Grade III) at Churchill Downs, earning the colt 10 qualifying points towards the 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI).

“It was an unbelievable day for our barn,” Bauer said. “Watching him turn for home in the Iroquois, he looked so comfortable on the front end. His ears told a story – he was just waiting for Joel (Rosario) to ask for more. And, really, Joel didn’t have to push him much at all.

“For only his second start, he showed a lot of heart and gave us a new dimension in his running style. He cooled out great and was in perfect (Sunday) morning.”

Jonathan’s Way is only the second horse that Bauer and Rigney Racing have had on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. The duo previously campaigned Another Lemon Drop, who finished fourth in the 2015 Lecomte (GIII) at Fair Grounds. This latest victory, however, feels different for the owner, Richard Rigney.

“We actually bought him as a weanling for $290,000 and we were thinking high things of this horse from the beginning,” Rigney said. “I have a great team behind me and I use John Moynihan as my bloodstock agent. The great thing about John is he’s not looking at the page behind the horse but the physical attributes.

“Seeing him already reward us is surreal. Being one of the top favorites for both the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) and Kentucky Derby (GI) is a dream come true. This is the greatest sport in the world.”

Jonathan’s Way, an Ohio-bred son of top freshman sire Vekoma, broke sharply from post 9 in a field of 11, taking command of the one-turn mile and leading the field through fractions of :23.21 and :46.62. He held off late charges from rivals Owen Almighty and Giocoso, ultimately finishing 2 ¾ lengths ahead in a swift 1:36.08. The win banked $131,130 for Rigney Racing and positioned Jonathan’s Way at the top of the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.

Jonathan’s Way’s success also creates a unique connection to one of Ohio’s best-bred champions, Harlan’s Holiday. That legendary horse was broken by Barry Berkelhammer, who also handled Jonathan’s Way’s early development.

The colt’s next target is the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) on Friday, Nov. 1 at Del Mar, according to Bauer.