Jonathan's Way

Leading the graded stakes action on Saturday, there is something gruff and boomy about the barbaric 'yalp' of the European invaders who are set to swarm Woodbine's gates on Turf Champions Day. One can understand this hoard's verve as the booty is worth pillaging since three out of the four Grade I races on the docket are connected to some highly-prized Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' tickets.   Euros Wind Trebuchets Out of this auspicious Canadian slate, first up is the GI Natalma Stakes which offers entry into the...

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- At the top of the stretch of the opener of the Saturday card at Saratoga Race Course, a 2-year-old colt named Jonathan's Way (Vekoma) was fanned six, maybe seven wide. But he was moving and, like a giant tidal wave, gathering momentum with each long, powerful stride. Out in California, Richard Rigney, who owns the colt, was watching the race on a cellphone along with bloodstock agent John Moynihan. They had hope, but they also were realists.  After all, the six-furlong race was the first in Jonathan's...

With a strong mid-race move, JONATHAN'S WAY (Vekoma) took command at the top of the Saratoga stretch and came home impressively, becoming the second 'TDN Rising Star' and 15th overall winner for freshman sire Vekoma (by Candy Ride {Arg}). Facing a pair of well-backed stablemates in the coupled entry of Moment's Notice (More Than Ready) and $1.35m KEESEP first-timer Sansone (Uncle Mo), Jonathan's Way broke from the outer half of the gate in line with the field but got squeezed back to last in the first few jumps and had...