Lawyer Ron likely to skip Preakness

Trainer Bob Holthus said Tuesday from Lexington, Ky., that Lawyer Ron likely will pass the 131st Preakness on May 20. Holthus said the colt has some inflammation in a hind ankle.
"We're probably going to have to give him a little time off," said Holthus. "He's run awfully hard for us for 10 months now. I'll be able to say for sure (Wednesday) when I take a good look at him at Churchill. It's nothing serious but we're probably going to have to pass up the Preakness."
Lawyer Ron, owned by the estate of James Hines Jr. and Our Legal Team LLC, was never a factor when finishing 12th as the fourth choice in a field of 20 in the Derby.
Holthus, who was in Lexington to look at 2-year-olds and yearlings, said x-rays were taken Monday on Lawyer Ron "as a matter of routine" when the ankle problem was discovered. "It's really nothing, and if he was a normal horse, you wouldn't think anything of it," he said.
Holthus said Dr. Larry Bramlage was being consulted and that a final decision on the Preakness probably would be announced Wednesday.
Holthus said that if in fact Lawyer Ron has to have time off, the colt will not run in the June 10 Belmont Stakes. "If that's what we have to do, he'll get 60 to 90 days off and we'll bring him back later this summer," he said.
Source: sports.espn.go.com