On Monday morning, Jonathan’s Way, a promising 3-year-old Ohio-bred colt, completed an impressive five-furlong workout at Fair Grounds. This training session marks the third recorded work for the horse since his second-place finish in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs on November 30. Trainer Phil Bauer expressed satisfaction with the exercise, emphasizing the quality of the gallop out rather than the final time. The team is now focusing on the prestigious $500,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2) scheduled for February 15, which serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the Kentucky Derby.

The workout conditions were varied due to recent weather changes, but Jonathan’s Way managed to complete the distance in 1:03.2, working alongside the experienced 5-year-old Kigali. Despite not being overly concerned about the exact timing, Bauer noted that the overall performance was satisfactory. The horse's owner, Richard Rigney, has high hopes for Jonathan’s Way as he prepares for the upcoming challenges. The Risen Star Stakes will be an essential test for 3-year-olds, offering significant points on the road to the Kentucky Derby and providing an early nine-furlong challenge.

Brendan Walsh-trained East Avenue, another notable contender, also demonstrated strong potential with a swift 59.4-second five-furlong bullet on Friday. Both horses are eyeing the Risen Star as their debut race for the season. In the recently concluded third Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool, Jonathan’s Way closed at odds of 49-1, while East Avenue was listed at 15-1. Should Jonathan’s Way triumph in the Kentucky Derby, he would make history as only the second Ohio-bred winner, following Wintergreen's victory in 1909.

The upcoming Risen Star Stakes promises to be a pivotal event for these young contenders. With both Jonathan’s Way and East Avenue showing promising form, fans and trainers alike are eagerly anticipating the competition. The stakes are high, not only for the immediate race but also for the valuable points that could determine future success in the Kentucky Derby. The preparation and performances leading up to this event highlight the rigorous journey these horses must undertake to reach the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing.