Wales should keep streak alive with He's Not Grey

Leading rider Gary Wales has won at least one race in the last 23 days of racing at Emerald, and he shouldn’t have any trouble extending the streak Friday night. After all, he rides He’s Not Grey, who is almost as sure as death and taxes in a $10,000 starter race with a $15,000 claiming option that will serve as the feature.

The six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up drew five horses and goes as race 6 on a seven-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Trained by Candice Cryderman, He’s Not Grey is coming off a 7 1/2-length romp with Wales aboard in a $10,000 starter race on June 15. He was sent off as the 4-5 favorite in the six-furlong dash and after breaking alertly from the inside post, he opened up a clear lead. He did come under pressure at the half-mile mark, but it was short-lived and after easily repelling Iron Rob, he drew off to win decisively. The only horse close to him at the wire was Buckley Bay, who was without a rider after unseating Juan Gutierrez leaving the starting gate.

He’s Not Grey has won six of his last seven starts and will be a very short price to help keep Wales’s impressive streak going. He will break from post 4.

KEY CONTENDERS

He’s Not Grey, by Slew’s Tiznow

Last 3 Beyers; 84-80-72

◗ Not only has the 4-year-old California-bred never been better, he is the lone speed and will be tough to reel in if he retains his current form.

◗ He also doesn’t need the lead to win, so Wales has more than one option if other speed does show up. Not sure where it will come from, though.

Tumac Mountain, by Atta Boy Roy

Last 3 Beyers: 45-67-62

◗ The Jose Navarro-trained Washington-bred won’t mind the move back to a sprint after trying to keep up with Mike Man’s Gold in a $25,000 claimer on June 29. Sent off as the heavy chalk, Mike Man’s Gold notched his 21st victory with an easy front-running score in the one-mile race.

◗ In his previous race, on June 15, Tumac Mountain got hung five wide on the turn when he was the runner-up to He’s Not Grey.

◗ He will break from the outside post with Patrick Henry Jr. riding. If Henry can ease him into a stalking position while saving ground he could round out the exacta.

Iron Rob, by Twirling Candy

Last 3 Beyers: 64-64-57

◗ The Ken Elison-trained Florida-bred was no match for He’s Not Grey the last two times they met and isn’t likely going to get up in time in this spot.

◗ The two-time Santa Anita stakes winner will be rolling late and with the possibility that a couple of horses will be chasing He’s Not Grey early, speed could be coming back to him.