Oaklawn: Autrey bringing a bunch to new meet

Trainer Cody Autrey went 5 for 8 over Oaklawn Park’s opening weekend last meet, and he plans to have an expanded presence at the Hot Springs, Ark., track for the new season, which begins on Jan. 11.

Autrey will have about 35 horses at Oaklawn, up from the 26 runners he kept on the grounds last season. He said the growth comes at the hands of such clients as James Driver and Charles Fletcher.

“With purses like they are at Oaklawn, Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Driver will have an extra horse or two going into that meet,” said Autrey, 33.

Autrey has horses preparing for Oaklawn at the Evangeline Downs Training Center near Lafayette, La. He followed the same pattern up to the meet last season, when he jumped out to the early lead in the trainer standings.

Autrey’s young prospects for the new meet include Concorde West, a son of Concorde’s Tune who is being pointed for a maiden special weight on opening day. Autrey said he plans to move horses into Oaklawn on Jan 1.