Pink Lloyd's sharp form stamps him as New Providence favorite

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Fresh off his first stakes success, Pink Lloyd will be favored to get the money again in Saturday’s $125,000 New Providence Stakes, a six-furlong sprint for older Ontario-sired runners at Woodbine.

A lightly raced 5-year-old, Pink Lloyd ran like hell in his first three races last year, winning them all by a combined eight lengths. He was favored in his stakes debut Oct. 29 in the Overskate but had to settle for fifth after getting stuck behind a wall of horses.

Pink Lloyd rebounded Nov. 25 in the Grade 2 Kennedy Road Stakes, closing along the rail for second behind 2015 Canadian champion male sprinter Stacked Deck.

Against an accomplished field, many of whom wintered in the U.S., Pink Lloyd captured his season opener in the six-furlong Jacques Cartier Stakes with the aid of an inside bias. A subsequent bullet half-mile work in 47 seconds flat on April 27 suggests that he has retained his sharpness.

“He came out of the race excellent,” said trainer Bob Tiller. “He worked excellent. He’s in good order. I think he will not regress. He’s a good horse. He’s overcome a lot, and he’s as good right now as he’s ever been.”

New Providence, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Pink Lloyd, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 97-96-85

◗ Tiller has won the New Providence a record three times, with Dave the Knave (2007), Forever Grand (2003), and Dan’s My Pal (1997).

Ted W, by Niigon

Last 3 Beyers: 98-77-88

◗ He won two of his three starts after getting claimed for $32,000 by trainer Marty Drexler on behalf of owner Augusto Onesi last August. He had a troubled trip when sixth in his lone stakes attempt in the restricted Overskate in October. A fast half-mile breeze in 47.20 on April 27 should have him ready to fire one of his better shots off the layoff.

Seffeara, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 87-91-74

◗ After checking in fourth in the 2016 New Providence, the versatile veteran won a pair of optional claimers among seven starts before getting the winter off. He worked quickly throughout April and can acquit himself well while fresh.

Jacks Escarpment, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 83-86-88

◗ Yet another 5-year-old gelding by leading Ontario sire Old Forester, he took the restricted Kenora Stakes over the eventual Canadian champion female sprinter, River Maid, last year. He has been idle since fading to sixth in the Kennedy Road.