Pink Lloyd brings top credentials into Achievement Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – With victories in the Jacques Cartier and New Providence stakes this spring, Pink Lloyd established himself as Woodbine’s leading sprinter, and he’ll try to remain at the top of the heap in Saturday’s $125,000 Achievement Stakes.

Pink Lloyd defeated a quality field that included Commute and Stacked Deck following a winter layoff in the April 15 Jacques Cartier. His six-furlong time of 1:08.62 translated to a fat 103 Beyer Speed Figure.

Pink Lloyd dodged a bounce in the May 6 New Providence, a six-furlong test for Ontario-sired stock that he won convincingly in 1:08.59, good for a 102 Beyer.

“He ran terrific,” said trainer Robert Tiller. “I think he certainly did run back to the [Jacques Cartier], absolutely. I thought he improved.”

Pink Lloyd has worked a quick half-mile twice since the New Providence.

“He’s doing very well,” Tiller said. “He’s in very good shape. He’s very happy.”

The Achievement, a six-furlong dash for Ontario-breds, lured six others, most notably the fast but erratic shipper Shaft of Light.

:: Add a 5-card pack of PPs and save 55¢/card!

KEY CONTENDERS

Pink Lloyd, by Old Forester
Last 3 Beyers: 102-103-96

◗ The lightly raced 5-year-old is owned by the Entourage Stable of longtime Woodbine owner Frank DiGiulio and friends.

“They’ve had a lot of patience, which has paid off,” Tiller said. “The horse overcame four or five major issues. We stopped on him every time, and they all healed up. He’s always had a lot of ability. I hope that he keeps running well.”

Shaft of Light, by Smart Strike
Last 3 Beyers: 101-100-75

◗ Listed as wearing bar shoes, he’s the first Woodbine starter for the high-percentage trainer Jorge Navarro, who sent him out to win an optional claimer at Gulfstream and a stakes at Charles Town in his last two outings. He captured his seven-furlong debut at 3 on the old Polytrack here in 2014.

Sweet Grass Creek, by Wando
Last 3 Beyers: 92-65-88

◗ He ran evenly for third in the New Providence, from which runner-up Ted W exited to narrowly lose a second-level optional claimer to the upwardly mobile 3-year-old Circle of Friends.

Jacks Escarpment, by Old Forester
Last 3 Beyers: 90-83-86

◗ He exhibited less speed than usual after getting away slowly and racing wide in the New Providence, finishing fifth in his season opener.

Conquest Tsunami, by Stormy Atlantic
Last 3 Beyers: 95-77-92

◗ He reverted to a speed style in the Jacques Cartier, setting quick fractions with the aid of an inside bias before fading to fifth.

:: Crush Belmont Stakes Day with PPs, Clocker Reports, and more!