Pink Lloyd tuning up for Shepperton Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Pink Lloyd is undefeated in four starts this year, including the Grade 3 Vigil Stakes over seven furlongs on Tapeta here July 16. Trainer Bob Tiller said the 5-year-old son of Old Forester will remain at Woodbine for his next start against restricted company in the $125,000 Shepperton Stakes for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds and up Aug. 12.

Pink Lloyd set a reserved pace in the Vigil before kicking clear in the stretch to win by 2 1/4 lengths over We Deer You. It was Pink Lloyd’s first graded stakes score and earned him a 91 Beyer Speed Figure. He’ll shorten up to 6 1/2 furlongs in the Shepperton, a distance he has yet to attempt.

Tiller said Pink Lloyd came out of the Vigil in good order and has been training well. He breezed four furlongs in 48 seconds flat on the Tapeta on Thursday.

“You take it one race at a time,” Tiller said. “It’s a good problem to have. He’s just a very good horse, and we’ll carry forward.”

Nine others have been nominated to the Shepperton, including 2016 Kenora Stakes winner Jacks Escarpment.