He’s Not Grey and Gary Wales

HE’S NOT GREY SPARKLES ON OPENING DAY

AUBURN, Wash. (April 20, 2019) – He’s Not Grey would not be denied Saturday as Emerald Downs’ began its 24th season of live racing under mostly sunny skies.

The 67-day meeting continues through September 22 and includes 27 stakes highlighted by the $200,000 Longacres Mile (G3) on August 11.

In the featured Muckleshoot Casino Purse, He’s Not Grey continued his winning ways with a two-length victory under jockey Gary Wales, zipping 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.72 and returning $8.60, $4.40 and $4. Candice Cryderman is the winning trainer for owner John Parker of Lake Bay, Wash.

A 4-year-old California-bred by Slew’s Tiznow, He’s Not Grey has won four straight races including three straight to end the 2018 season. The gray gelding is 5-1-1 in nine career starts with earnings of $55,447, including a victory in the 2017 Emerald Downs’ Express.

Parker—who hopes to threaten the single-season owner’s record of 27 wins set by Swag Stables in 2009—has either won or tied for leading owner the last three years at Emerald Downs.

Hustled to the lead by Wales, He’s Not Grey set fractions of :22.07, :44.63 and :56.48, opened a 2 ½-length lead into the stretch, and held off a late bid from Bob’s All In for the victory.

Bob’s All In, ridden by Kevin Orozco, rallied strongly in the stretch for second and paid $7.80 and $5.20. Guardingthemoney, ridden by Jose Zunino, held third and paid $11 to show, while Wine At Nine, Iron Rob, Levitation and Remembertobreathe completed the order of finish.

NOTES: Tumac Mountain ($6.60) and Patrick Henry Jr. led gate to wire in the 2019 season opener for Clemans View Racing #3 and trainer Jose Navarro. The winner is a 4-year-old Washington-bred Atta Boy Roy gelding. . .Newcomer Franklin Ceballos scored his first Emerald Downs’ win aboard Hejustkeepsgiving ($7.60) in race three for Chris Randall, Nick Rossi and trainer Frank Lucarelli. Lucarelli, Emerald Downs’ all-time leader with 947 wins, saddled three winners opening day including a pair owned by Chad Christensen: Das Bear ($3.40) and Flat Out Fine ($5.60). . .Jorge Carreno, who last rode here in 2003, guided Party for One to a $33.20 upset in race seven. A 6-year-old Desert Party gelding, Party for One won eight races last year en route to honors as WTBOA Top Plater of 2018. . .Henry and Gary Wales rode two winners each on the nine-race card. . .Live racing resumes Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m.
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