Lawyer Ron Makes Case in Diamond Jo Stakes

Lawyer Ron, stamping himself as one of the top 2-year-olds in the south, led all the way under jockey John McKee en route to an 8 ½ length victory in the $100,000 Peninsula Gaming's Diamond Jo Stakes at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.

Able to set moderate fractions of :24 4/5, :49 3/5, and 1:15 1/5, Lawyer Ron had plenty left in the tank when challenged by Desert Wheat approaching the top of the stretch. He put that rival away by mid-stretch then drew away with eye-catching ease while under a brisk hand ride from Mckee. The son of Langfuhr  , stopped the clock in 1:39 for the mile after a final quarter in 23 1/5 on a track labeled fast.

Desert Wheat finished a clear second. Premier Dance, the public's choice at even-money after winning five straight stakes races, checked in third. Lake Mac Mac and Poppa Duke finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

Lawyer Ron, trained by veteran horseman Robert Holthus, recorded his third career win from 10 starts and with the $60,000 first place check more than doubled his lifetime earnings for his owner/breeder James T. Hines Jr. of Kentucky.

(Chart, Equibase)