Lawyer Ron works bullet

Lawyer Ron worked five furlongs in a bullet 59 seconds and galloped out six furlongs in 1:10.91 on Saturday at Oaklawn in his final prep for the Grade 2, $1 million Arkansas Derby. The 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby will be run at Oaklawn on Saturday.

Lawyer Ron came onto the track at about 7 a.m. and worked to the wire under regular rider John McKee. Clockers tracked him through an opening eighth-mile in 12.09 seconds, the first quarter in 23.94, three furlongs in 35.98, and carried him out seven furlongs in 1:23.46.

"I thought he worked exceptionally well," said Bob Holthus, who trains Lawyer Ron. "He finished good. John said he felt good under him, and he asked him a little bit, and he really came on and galloped out pretty strong.

"I wanted a pretty good work in him. He's going to have a tough race next Saturday."

Lawyer Ron has won his last five starts, including the Grade 3 Risen Star and the Grade 3 Rebel.

Red Raymond, the runner-up in the Rebel who is also pointing for the Arkansas Derby for Holthus, went five furlongs in 1:00.80 under Luis Quinonez. Red Raymond galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.

Steppenwolfer, also working after the break for the Arkansas Derby, went in company and was credited with a five-furlong breeze in 1:00.76, the second-fastest time of 24 works at the distance.