Tillie’s Lily ready for turf, slop

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Rain or shine, Tillie’s Lily is ready for her stakes debut in Monday’s $200,000 Caress Stakes at Saratoga.

The Caress is scheduled for 5 1/2 furlongs on the Mellon turf course, but there is rain forecast for Sunday and Monday. In anticipation of the rain, New York Racing Association officials will set the rails at 27 feet from the hedge, which means the field for the Caress is limited to 10 starters. With 12 entered, recent allowance winners Brielle’s Appeal and Bowie were relegated to the also-eligible list.

Tillie’s Lily, a daughter of Distorted Humor, came off a seven-month layoff to win a third-level allowance race by two lengths at Belmont Park on June 1. From that day on, trainer Jonathan Thomas targeted the Caress. On July 16, Tillie’s Lily fired a bullet halfmile workout in 48 seconds over the Oklahoma turf course, the fastest of 46 breezes at that distance on the day.

“She breezed super here, but she’s running against some really good fillies,” Thomas said.

Tillie’s Lily won her career debut by 8 1/2 lengths in the slop at Gulfstream Park last July 21.

“I’m all about the slop,” Thomas said. “If it’s going to rain, let it really rain.”

The Caress drew a very strong field of female turf sprinters, including Triple Chelsea, who is returning from a two-month layoff after winning four of her first five starts this year. Her last three victories – at Fair Grounds, Keeneland, and Churchill Downs – have come from off the pace and trainer Joe Sharp sees a lot of early speed in the Caress. Adam Beschizza, aboard for all of her starts this year, rides Triple Chelsea.

“Looks like a good pace scenario in there,” Sharp said. “Adam is more than comfortable with her and her running style. Hopefully, we can get lucky and add another to her résumé.”

Sharp said Triple Chelsea would not run if the race comes off the turf.

Kirby’s Penny, winner of the Grade 2 Vagrancy Handicap on May 13, is entered for the main track only. She is also going to be entered in Wednesday’s Grade 2 Honorable Miss.

KEY CONTENDERS

Tillie’s Lily, by Distorted Humor Last 3 Beyers: 90-89-88

◗ She has won in the slop, on firm turf and soft, and even down the hill at Santa Anita.

◗ Shows a strong work tab since coming off the layoff with a fast allowance win at Belmont.

Fire Key, by Friesan Fire Last 3 Beyers: 90-97-91

◗ Though beaten in an allowance race in her first start off a seven-month layoff, it looked to be a useful prep.

◗ She is 2 for 2 at Saratoga and has handled yielding turf.

Triple Chelsea, by Hat Trick Last 3 Beyers: 95-99-93

◗ Since being claimed for $62,500 last September, she has four wins, a second, and two thirds from seven starts.

◗ Her off-the-pace style may be effective in a race with ample speed.

Girls Know Best, by Caleb’s Posse Last 3 Beyers: 89-88-103

◗ Speedy filly has won four of six starts this year, including a six-length allowance win over yielding turf at Keeneland.

◗ Won the off-the-turf The Very One in slop at Pimlico in May.