Lawyer Ron works a bullet

Lawyer Ron was one of four probables for the Grade 2, $1 million Arkansas Derby to work at Oaklawn Park on Saturday morning. He breezed a half-mile in a bullet 48.03 seconds under regular rider John McKee.

The move was the fastest of 46 at the distance Saturday.

Lawyer Ron has won his last five starts and is the favorite for the Arkansas Derby, which will be run April 15. Others on the track for works were Red Raymond, Steppenwolfer, and Well Said, who has committed to the Arkansas Derby, trainer Walter Bindner Jr. said Saturday.

On a somewhat humid morning, Lawyer Ron and jockey John McKee made their way onto the track right after the renovation break and went into their drill at the half-mile pole. Clockers followed Lawyer Ron through an opening eighth in 12.07 seconds, a first quarter in 24.16, and three furlongs in 35.74. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.14.

The work was a maintenance move for Lawyer Ron.

"I just kind of wanted to give him something to do," said Bob Holthus, his trainer. "I wasn't asking him for much. He went a pretty easy half and galloped out five-eighths, and next week, we'll come back and work him five-eighths and let him go out three-quarters."

Holthus also trains Red Raymond, who breezed a half-mile in 48.60 after the break under Luis Quinonez. Red Raymond was the runner-up to Lawyer Ron last out in the Grade 3, $300,000 Rebel Stakes.

Steppenwolfer, who finished third in the Rebel, worked after the break, breezing five furlongs in 1:02.02 under Robby Albarado. Clockers tracked him through fractions of 13.08, 25.58, and 38.74. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.97.

"He went off relaxed and finished full of run," said Dan Peitz, who trains Steppenwolfer.

Well Said breezed five furlongs in 1:03.07 after the break, under Joe Johnson. He will be ridden in the Arkansas Derby by regular rider James Graham, said Bindner.- Mary Rampellini