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Horse Racing News and Commentary |
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Lawyer Ron wins one in small claims |
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Written by Gohorsepower.com
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Sunday, 11 February 2007 |
Last year's Grade II Arkansas Derby winner made an appearance in the court of an Allowance Optional Claiming at Gulfstream Park on Sunday. Making a strong closing argument in the stretch, he won by 3 1/4 lengths.
Second place Istan made a brief case for first, but was no match in the stretch.
Sunday was also trainer Todd Pletcher's first day back at the tracks after serving a 45-day suspension for a banned-substance found in one of his horses two years ago. Pletcher's jock of choice John Velazquez was in the irons for Lawyer Ron.
The race was run at one-mile, and restricted to older horses who have not won $18,000 twice other than maiden, claiming, or starter at a mile or longer since Sept. 15. Also eligible were horses to be claimed for $150,000--though none were tagged. After finishing a weak ninth in the 2006 Breeders Cup Classic, Lawyer Ron's class was a clear advantage under these circumstances. He was racing for $30,000 to first in a $57,500 race (total purse including a $7,500 Florida Owners Award).
Last season under trainer Bob Holthus, Lawyer Ron had five graded stakes wins, including the Grade 3 Risen Star and Rebel, as well as the Grade 2 Arkansas Derby--races that landed him a post in the Kentucky Derby. After finishing twelfth in the Run for the Roses, he was side-lined for four months with a bone-chip in his right ankle. When he returned he won the St. Louis Derby, and after taking second in the Grade 2 Super Derby, his owners unexpectedly handed his training over to Todd Pletcher.
Charts for February 11, 2007 - Race 9 at Gulfstream Park
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