Pink Lloyd Pulls Off Three-Peat in Woodbine's Vigil
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Photo: Michael Burns
Pink Lloyd wins the Vigil Stakes at Woodbine for the third consecutive year
The win machine that is Entourage Stable's Pink Lloyd pulled through again July 14 to take Woodbine's CA$146,000 (US$111,705) Vigil Stakes (G3) for the third consecutive year.
It was also the Robert Tiller trainee's third win in as many starts this year as he vies for his third straight Sovereign Award for champion male sprinter.
"He's the greatest sprinter there ever was in Canada," Tiller said. "I've been doing this for 50 years. I've been around here for a little bit."
Pink Lloyd, assigned his highest weight yet at 127 pounds, and his regular rider, Eurico Rose da Silva, were bet down to 3-5 in Sunday's race for 3-year-olds and up going six furlongs on the Tapeta course, and the pair did not disappoint.
The 7-year-old Old Forester gelding was third early as Wyatt's Town set opening fractions of :22.36 and :44.51. Pink Lloyd was on the move and took over after a half-mile, running five-eighths in :56.50 before stopping the clock in 1:08.68.
The fan favorite finished 4 1/2 lengths in front on a fast track.
"I was just sitting behind the speed, and, you know, he was running so different today, like way more relaxed than usual," said da Silva. "And when I asked him, you know, I've never felt an explosion (like that). I've been riding for 30 years. This horse just explodes turning for home. When I ask him, he responds so fast. He's an unbelievable horse.
"I'm so grateful to be a part of this team. I have no words to say how much I appreciate to ride for Bob and the tremendous work he does with this horse. There are a lot of details every single day."
Sable Island ran second throughout, and Wyatt's Town held for third. Marten Lake, Eskiminzin, Dixie's Gamble, and Circle of Friends completed the order of finish.
Pink Lloyd was bred in Ontario by John Carey out of the stakes-placed Great Gladiator mare Gladiator Queen, who last foaled a full brother to Pink Lloyd in 2018.
Carey consigned Pink Lloyd at the 2013 Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society's Ontario Division of the Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale, where Frank Di Giulio Jr. signed the ticket as agent. The purchase price was US$28,446.
Now with a 19-1-1 record from 24 starts at Woodbine, including an 11-race win streak that stretched from April 2017 to June 2018 and 2017 Horse of the Year honors, Pink Lloyd has garnered US$1,140,906 in his four seasons of racing.
"He might just win Horse of the Year again this year, it's very possible. And, you know, he's never been better," Tiller said. "I don't want to shoot off my mouth because as soon as you open your mouth, you end up eating your words, but he's never been better.
"Eurico rode him terrifically today. He's a monster. He's more relaxed than he's ever been. We've made some adjustments with him this year, and it's working so far. I thank the good Lord. He's a wonderful animal, and I will never forget him."