Ehalt: Jonathan’s Way, Owen Almighty are Iroquois Picks

If you are still holding on to the last vestiges of summer, then you may want to close your eyes. The road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) opens for business Sept. 14.

The Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs is the first of 36 stakes in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series through April, ultimately giving us a field of up to 20 3-year-olds for the opening leg of the Triple Crown. As usual, there’s a competitive field of promising 2-year-olds in the Iroquois with high hopes of making it to the starting gate at Churchill on the first Saturday in May.

1. First Resort  (12-1 morning-line odds): Broke his maiden at 5 1/2 furlongs then tired and finished second in the 6 1/2-furlong Saratoga Special Stakes (G2). That would seem to indicate the mile distance may be beyond his scope, but he set blistering fractions of :21.85 and :44.78 before fatigue set in. Should get more reasonable fractions here and, as a son of Uncle Mo  , his pedigree could help him stay in contention until the end.

2. Giocoso  (10-1): Comes off a big win on turf but flopped in his lone dirt race. That dirt loss came in his debut, so the loss is forgivable. Has worked nicely on the track and merits some attention.

3. Jack’s Time  (20-1): Won easily in his debut at Prairie Meadows in good time. Will be part of a busy pace scenario and may not be ready for a one-mile distance test.

4. Authentic Strike  (12-1): Showed some determination in being pressed throughout and winning his seven-furlong debut. Will be part of the early pace, but as a son of Kentucky Derby winner Authentic  , he may hang on.

5. Owen Almighty  (5-2): Undefeated in two starts, including the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes. Has the best speed figures and a style that should allow him to race just behind the early leaders. Lots to like here with Irad Ortiz Jr. hopping on board.

6. Strummin  (12-1): Has the most experience in the field, which isn’t necessarily a good thing when you’re 1-for-6. Took a big step forward last time out in a maiden win, but may have a rough time doing that again.

7. Sandman  (6-1): Rebounded from a dull debut to win going away at Saratoga Race Course. A repeat of that second effort will make him a major player.

9. Firmus  (20-1): Posted a sharp debut win but the speed figure was a cut below the rest. Has worked nicely for this start and might be a threat.

10. Jonathan’s Way  (9-2): Was an impressive debut winner at Saratoga, closing from seventh at six furlongs to win by 4 1/4 lengths. Turned in a quick blowout to get ready for this and should get a strong pace to chase. Looms a top threat.

11. Mesero  (15-1): Won his debut in the mud, raising questions about his ability to handle a dry surface. Others are more appealing.

12. Politicallycorrect  (6-1): Was second to Owen Almighty in the Ellis Park Juvenile, tiring in the final furlong. The added distance may not be his friend.