(Jonathan’s Way / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Today’s work crew:

  1. Jonathan’s Way: This 3YO son of Vekoma, who is trained by Philip Bauer for the Rigney Family Racing Stables, worked 3 furlongs at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans this morning. The winner of the G3 Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs last September went the distance in an easy :36.20. That was the 5th best time out of 15 to clock the distance. And, it was the colt’s first move since November 23. Working his way back to you. In four career starts, this one has 2 wins and a second. Only miss from the Board came in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar last November. Was 7th in that one behind Citizen Bull. Look for this one to be back on the hunt for the 151st Kentucky Derby soon enough.
  2. Magnitude: The 3YO son of Not This Time is coming off an impressive 2nd in the Gun Runner Stakes at the Fair Grounds last time out and was back on the surface again this morning. Breezed 5 furlongs in 1:00.60. That was the bullet move of the day at the distance and is was just what the doctor ordered for trainer Steve Asmussen and owner Winchell Thoroughbreds. This guy cost $450,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. In 5 career starts now, this one has 2 wins and a 2nd. Looks to be pointed to the KY Derby Trail, as well. More to come. Stay tuned.
  3. Tiztastic: This son of Tiz the Law is another promising colt in the barn of Asmussen. Has run 5 times so far with a 2-1-1 mark. Did run 2nd in the Street Sense Stakes and 3rd in the Kentucky Jockey Club — both over the Churchill Downs dirt surface. Won two races this past summer at KY Downs, on the sod, of course. One of those was the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile. Both of those wins pumped the purse earnings over $819,000 so far. Clocked the same time as his roommate — which ties him for the fastest move of the day at the 5 furlongs. Stay tuned here, too. Looks promising.
  4. Track Phantom: This son of Quality Road is a 4YO in the Asmussen barn and is coming back from an extended layoff after running 11th in the 2024 version of the G1 Kentucky Derby. Most recently, this one was 4th in the Tenacious Stakes at the Fair Grounds. Same favorite spot where this one ran 4th in the 2024 G2 Louisiana Derby; 2nd in the G2 Risen Star; and won the G3 Lecomte Stakes and the Gun Runner. Look for more out of this one soon. Has the pedigree and the PPs to pop a good one soon.
  5. The Wine Steward: A 4YO son of Vino Rosso, he has not started since finishing 9th in the 2024 Belmont Stakes. Before that, he was 2nd in the G3 Peter Pan Stakes; 2nd in the G3 Lexington Stakes; and nearly won the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2023. Overall, has 3 wins and 3 seconds in just 7 lifetime starts. Has had an extended vacation this time, though. Worked 5 furlongs in :59.64 this morning at Gulfstream Park. That was the 2nd fastest time out of 6 to go the distance. It was the  6th consistent work out in a row. Looks ready for the return. Look out.
  6. Sierra Leone: The winner of the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar was back in action this morning at Payson Park in Florida. The 4YO son of Gun Runner, who is owned in part by my friend Brooks Smith, went 3 furlongs in an easy :37.80. That was the 13th best time out of 15, but it was the first move for this guy since his big victory to end the 2024 campaign. Congrats to the connections on this one for keeping him active and in racing. Should have a fantastic 2025.
  7. Battle of Normandy: This 5YO son of City Light, who has clicked off 4 straight wins in a row for HOF trainer Shug McGaughey, was back in action at Payson Park this morning, as well. The big guy rolled 4 furlongs in :49.20. That was the 7th best time out of 61 to clock the distance. Ever since the expert trainer put this guy on the front end, he has been a handful. In 13 career starts now, he has a nice record of 5-3-1 and has earned over $643,000. Could pile up more cash soon. Has been invited to the Pegasus World Cup Turf. Be nice to see him there. In the jubilant circle of love after the race.
  8. Catching Freedom: This is a 4YO son of Constitution and one trained by Brad Cox. Has 3 wins and 2 thirds in 8 lifetime starts so far and has earned over $1.3 million in purses. Worked today at Payson Park, as well, and went 4 furlongs in :50 flat. That was 29th best out of 61. It was the 7th work in a row and this guy should be ready to return soon. Won the G2 Louisiana Derby last year. Could be a big one in New Orleans coming up, too.
  9. Integration: A very talented 5YO son of Quality Road for the barn of McGaughey. Has earned over $1.1 million with a record of 5-1-1 in 10 lifetime starts. Got his 3rd straight work at Payson Park this morn. Went with Battle of Normandy and those 2 clocked the same distance in the same time. If you want to know, though, and we always want to know, right? Battle of Normandy looked the best of the 2. Just writing.
  10. Patch Adams: This is a well-bred son of Into Mischief, who is trained by Cox. This one bears watching. Could pop on the 3YO scene with a splash soon. Finished 2024 with a MSW win at Churchill Downs. On that Nov. 30 day, this guy won over a field of 11 competitors by 101/2 lengths. Yep. That Ten. And. One-Half. Lengths. Home-bred for Sienna Farm, WinStar and the CHC Racing Club went 5 furlongs this morning at Payson in 1:01.20. That was the bullet move of the day and this colt’s third consistent work in a row. Will be ready when the big boys come calling. Take note.