TORONTO, August 30 – Entourage Stable’s Pink Lloyd remained undefeated in six starts in 2017 with a gritty score in Wednesday’s $125,000 Kenora Stakes, presented by HBPA of Ontario, at Woodbine. With leading rider Eurico Rosa da Silva up for trainer Robert Tiller, Pink Lloyd arrived at the six furlong Tapeta sprint from scores in the Jacques Cartier, New Providence, Achievement, Grade 3 Vigil and Shepperton Stakes in what has been a remarkable season. Pink Lloyd, a serious candidate to be named Canada’s Horse of the Year, was quick from the gate and tracked Phil in the Blank through a sharp opening quarter of :22.84. Pink Lloyd, comfortable outside of the pacesetter, advanced late in the turn through a :46.12 half to emerge with a narrow lead. Jacks Escarpment, with Luis Contreras up, rallied with purpose as Pink Lloyd straightened away and it was a case of ‘us and them’ as the duo separated in a fight to the wire. Under urging from da Silva, a brave Pink Lloyd found another gear to secure a 3/4-length win to keep his streak alive. The chestnut stopped the clock in 1:09.29. Da Silva felt confident throughout despite the narrow margin of victory. "He was running so relaxed today," said da Silva. "He was a little distracted by the lights, but I knew I had horse. When the other horse came to him, he kicked on. I knew it would be very hard for another horse to pass him. He galloped out really strong." The leading rider agrees the five-year-old Pink Lloyd has a shot at earning Horse of the Year honours off his current form. "It’s a big possibility," said da Silva. "He’s a nice horse and lucky to have good people behind him." Pink Lloyd, bred in Ontario by John Carey, paid $2.10 to win. Share This:Share
