Streaking Pink Lloyd fresh for Shepperton Stakes try

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Woodbine’s top sprinter, Pink Lloyd, will try to extend his remarkable streak to five consecutive stakes wins in Saturday’s $125,000 Shepperton, a 6 1/2-furlong tilt for Ontario-sired runners.

Pink Lloyd launched his campaign April 15 with a hard-fought score over Commute in the open Jacques Cartier and then doubled up against Ontario-sired stock in the May 6 New Providence. He earned his third consecutive triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure in the Achievement Stakes for Ontario-breds on June 10.

Pink Lloyd went from six to seven furlongs last time in the Grade 3 Vigil, in which he was pressured up front through slow fractions before drawing clear under Eurico Da Silva.

Trainer Robert Tiller said Pink Lloyd has thrived since the July 16 Vigil.

“He’s in good order,” Tiller said. “I’m happy with things right now. He’s had a month off. He’s only had one easy [half-mile work]. He should be fresh. We’ve had no issues with him in between races. I can’t say that about all his starts this year. He’s got to carry 126 pounds, but he won his last start with 124.”

A field of eight, including the supplemented longshots Aaronic Blessing and Thor’s Rocket, was drawn for the Shepperton, which goes as race 8 on an 11-race card.

KEY CONTENDERS

Pink Lloyd, by Old Forester
Last 3 Beyers: 92-106-102

◗ After notching his first two starts this year from off the lead, the flashy chestnut used front-running tactics in his two most recent excursions.

“If somebody outruns him, that’ll be just fine,” Tiller said. “He’s very capable of laying second, third, or fourth. It’s all about how the race is run. It will be up to Eurico.”

Jacks Escarpment, by Old Forester
Last 3 Beyers: 82-90-83

◗ He’s winless since landing the restricted Kenora Stakes last August. The 5-year-old worked nicely during a recent freshening and is making his first start for trainer Josie Carroll, who has excelled with new acquisitions.

San Nicola Thunder, by Silent Name

Last 3 Beyers: 89-91-90

◗ The versatile veteran has stuck to the turf since ending up second for $40,000 in his season opener. He won back-to-back 6 1/2-furlong optional claimers in the spring before finishing second most recently in a tough $40,000 starter allowance that contained the subsequent winners Eminent Force and Best Bard.

Boreal Spirit, by North Light
Last 3 Beyers: 65-91-92

◗ He was a bit player behind Pink Lloyd in the spring and then came up empty going a mile on turf in his latest.