'The greatest sprinter there ever was in Canada' wins 3rd Vigil crown
The distinguished Robert Tiller trainee Pink Lloyd was back in the Woodbine winner’s circle Sunday after collecting a record third straight edition of the Vigil Stakes.
With regular rider Eurico Rosa Da Silva aboard, Canada’s reigning Champion Male Sprinter turned in another remarkable performance, winning the afternoon’s Grade 3, six-furlong sprint in 1:08.68 for the Entourage Stable.
Carrying 127 pounds (the highest weight of his career), Pink Lloyd broke sharp from the inside post and settled back in third place as Sable Island and Wyatt’s Town battled on top through opening panels of :22.36 and :56.50 in the $125,000 main track event.
In just a matter of strides coming off the turn, Pink Lloyd reeled in the front-runners, then opened up 4 1/2 lengths en route to victory.
“I was just sitting behind the speed and, you know, he was running so different today, like way more relaxed than usual,” Da Silva said. “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 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,” he added. “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.”
Pink Lloyd is 3-for-3 in stakes action to start his 7-year-old season with prior victories in the Jacques Cartier (G3) and the Greenwood Stakes at Woodbine.
The millionaire son of Old Forester now boasts 19 career wins from 24 starts, including 16 stakes and a perfect 8-for-8 Horse of the Year campaign in 2017.
The lion’s share of the purse lifted his bankroll to $1.47 million.
“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.
“He might just win Horse of the Year again this year, it’s very possible. And you know, he’s never been better. 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.”
Pink Lloyd paid $3.40 to win as the 3-5 favorite. Sable Island nosed out Wyatt’s Town in a photo finish for the runner-up honors.