He’s Not Grey Debuts a Winner in Emerald Downs Express

By Mary Rampellini

He’s Not Grey made his career debut a memorable one on Sunday, when he came rolling through the stretch for a 3 1/2-length win over Bullet Drill in the $50,000 Emerald Downs Express. The race was one of two stakes for 2-year-olds on the card. Bella Mia wired her rivals in the $50,000 Angie C.

Both of the stakes were run over 5 1/2 furlongs.

He’s Not Grey ($24.80) was content to stalk the pace set by Elliott Bay, who ran the opening quarter in 22.25 seconds while under pressure from Brown Tiger. He’s Not Grey advanced on the turn, came four wide into the stretch, and rolled past the leaders in the lane. He covered the distance on a fast track in 1:05.04.

“He’s been the talk of the barn, how good he’s been doing,” said winning owner John Parker. “He showed he can run.”

Juan Gutierrez was aboard He’s Not Grey for trainer Candi Tollett. The winner is a son of Slew’s Tiznow and for his effort Sunday he earned $27,225. He’s Not Grey was bred in California by Eagle Ridge Racing and Rancho San Miguel.