Trumpet Lilly could have edge in allowance

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – There does not appear to be an abundance of speed in Sunday’s eighth race at Oaklawn Park, and that might give Trumpet Lilly a tactical advantage.

She’s part of an eight-horse field for the conditioned allowance route for 3-year-old fillies that carries a claiming price option of $100,000. It will be run over 1 1/16 miles. The purse is $105,000.

Trumpet Lilly’s rivals include West Side Girl, a two-time winner at the meet; Battle Bling, who was second against similar in her only start of the year; and Code Name Kate, an impressive debut winner over six furlongs on March 26 at Oaklawn.

Trumpet Lilly will break from post 6 under Francisco Arrieta.

“There’s not a lot of speed,” said Cipriano Contreras, who trains Trumpet Lilly. “You do have the one filly that won first time out. We got a good post. We’ll lay close to the front end.”

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Trumpet Lilly won her maiden wire to wire at a mile March 14 at Oaklawn and last out stalked the pace at 1 1/16 miles when second at level similar to this one April 9 at Oaklawn.

“She’s doing good, real good,” Contreras said. “It’s a tough race, as always. Oaklawn is never easy.”

Owners Contreras Stable and Andrew Knapczyk claimed Trumpet Lilly out of her debut last October. She is a daughter of Carpe Diem.

“She’s a big, good-looking filly,” Contreras said.

Code Name Kate was prominent throughout when she won her debut. She is a half-sister to stakes winners Kid Kate and Amie’s Dini. David Cabrera has the mount for trainer Chris Hartman.

Marion Francis adds further depth to the field. She was a sharp maiden winner last out at Oaklawn and was flattered when runner-up Sundial returned to win her next start. Martin Garcia has the mount for trainer Brad Cox.

Following the card Sunday, racing will resume with a special Wednesday program at Oaklawn. The meet wraps Saturday, May 1, with the running of the $300,000 Oaklawn Stakes, which offers a berth into the Preakness.