Pink Lloyd streaks into Vigil Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Pink Lloyd will look to remain undefeated in 2017 in Sunday’s Grade 3, $125,000 Vigil Stakes for 3-year-olds and up over seven furlongs on Tapeta at Woodbine.

The 5-year-old gelding has posted triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures in each of his three stakes wins this season. Trainer Robert Tiller said Pink Lloyd is still at the top of his game.

“He’s been doing well,” he said. “He’s a happy horse, and we’re expecting him to run well.”

Pink Lloyd will seek his first graded stakes win in the Vigil. The son of Old Forester finished second in the Grade 2 Kennedy Road Stakes last November but has won the Jacques Cartier, New Providence, and Achievement stakes over six furlongs this year. As a result, he’ll carry the high weight of 124 pounds, seven more than each of the five others in the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Pink Lloyd, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 106-102-103

◗ Pink Lloyd will stretch out to seven furlongs for the first time this season, but he did win an allowance at the distance last season.

◗ His tactical speed should allow him to work out a good trip under leading rider Eurico Da Silva.

Riker, by Include

Last 3 Beyers: 86-92-78

◗ He recorded a 92 Beyer in his return to Woodbine on April 29, taking a second-level allowance field gate to wire over seven furlongs on Tapeta.

◗ He should be dangerous on the cutback in distance after fading to fifth in the Grade 2 Eclipse Stakes over 1 1/16 miles on Tapeta in his most recent start May 20.

We Deer You, by Hat Trick

Last 3 Beyers: 90-75-73

◗ He’s won consecutive races ahead of his stakes debut for trainer Michael Trombetta, who has shipped two horses to Woodbine for this race.

◗ We Deer You won a first-level allowance over 6 1/2 furlongs with a 75 Beyer here May 27 before doubling up in a sixfurlong sprint on turf at Belmont Park on June 25.

Tale of the Nile, Pioneerof the Nile

Last 3 Beyers: 89-77-86

◗ He was a dominant winner in his first start of the year for Trombetta at Presque Isle Downs, defeating an allowance field by 4 1/4 lengths in the sixfurlong sprint.

◗ He’s won four of his six career starts on the synthetic surface at Presque Isle Downs.

MICHAEL BURNS Pink Lloyd has won the Jacques Cartier, New Providence, and Achievement stakes this year and seeks his first graded win.