Pink Lloyd notches fifth straight Woodbine stakes triumph

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The unstoppable Pink Lloyd extended his Woodbine win streak to five straight stakes Saturday in the $125,000 Shepperton, under highweight of 126 pounds and jockey Eurico Da Silva.

Pink Lloyd raced in fourth between rivals on the backstretch in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint, as Aaronic Blessing set a quick pace, with Boreal Spirit in close proximity.

Pink Lloyd was angled three-wide on the turn, and then joined Boreal Spirit on the lead early in the stretch before edging away in the final furlong to prevail by 1 1/4 lengths, in a time of 1:15.03. In a race with no place or show wagering, he paid $2.70.

“He was running very relaxed, a little bit too relaxed,” Da Silva said. “I started to worry. Once I asked him hard and tapped him on the shoulder, he came outside and woke up. Then I said, oh, that’s my boy.”

A son of Old Forester, Pink Lloyd earned $75,000 for Entourage Stable and trainer Robert Tiller.

“I was a little concerned, but as soon as I saw him shake outside, I knew it was over,” Tiller said. “He was very relaxed. We’re trying to make him last all year. Winning five stakes in a row, it’s amazing. He’s a wonderful animal. He’s such a thrill, especially toward the end of my career. This is the best horse I’ve had, I think. I was worried about being too soft on him in the morning, but he proved me wrong.”

After awaiting room at the head of the stretch, San Nicola Thunder outran Boreal Spirit for second. Field of Courage rallied belatedly for fourth, and was followed by Jacks Escarpment, Thor’s Rocket, and Aaronic Blessing.