Lawyer Ron is set to return to action in Saturday's $250,000 St. Louis Derby at Fairmount Park. The race will mark his first start since he finished 12th in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
After the Run for the Roses, the son of < /> underwent surgery to remove a chip in his right hind ankle.
Trainer Bob Holthus told the media during a National Thoroughbred Racing Association teleconference Tuesday that the multiple graded stakes winner has gained weight and is doing well since he returned to regular training in June. "He hasn't missed any days of training since he came back from his surgery."
Lawyer Ron entered the Kentucky Derby as a major contender off his string of victories at Oaklawn Park that included the Arkansas Derby, as well as the Rebel (gr. III) and Southwest Stakes.
Earlier this spring, Holthus believed Lawyer Ron would challenge for the Travers Stakes (gr. I) or the Haskell Invitational Handicap (gr. I).
"I thought this (St. Louis Derby) might be a little easier on him in his first start back, but it's drawn a full field," Holthus said. "We haven't scared anyone off."
Lawyer Ron was bred and owned by James T. Hines Jr., who died prior to Lawyer Ron's Arkansas Derby victory. Our Legal Team, headed by Richard and Audrey Haisfield, operators of Stonewall Farm, purchased an interest in Lawyer Ron just prior to the May 6 Kentucky Derby.
Following his racing career, Lawyer Ron will stand at Stonewall Farm near Versailles, Ky.
Lawyer Ron's regular rider, John McKee, gets the call in Saturday's race. The pair will break from post four and were installed as the 2-1 morning-line favorite.
The field for Saturday's $250,000 St. Louis Derby includes:
1--Smokeyjonessutton (Miguel Mena, 30-1)
2-- Sweet Grass Creek (Rafael Hernandez, 30-1)
3-- General Darby (Argelio Valazquez, 30-1)
4-- Lawyer Ron (John McKee, 2-1)
5-- More Than Regal (Shaun Bridgmohan, 5-1)
6-- Lewis Michael (Rene Douglas, 3-1)
7-- Cielo Gold (Brian Hernandez Jr., 6-1)
8--Like An Eagle (Carlos Marquez, 15-1)
9-- Casino Evil (Francisco Torres, 8-1)
10-- Kid Lemonade (Stewart Elliott, 8-1)
11-- Starspangled Gator (Corey Lanerie, 30-1)
12-- Follow The Storm (Kerwin Clark, 15-1)
