English import Storming Home, an impressive winner of the Jim Murray Memorial Handicap in his United States debut at Hollywood Park on May 10, worked seven furlongs on turf in 1:29.20 Sunday. He was assigned high weight of 124 pounds for the $350,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. IT) Saturday. The Whittingham is at 1 1/4 miles on turf and Storming Home will be asked to cut back in distance from the 12-furlong Murray.Trainer Neil Drysdale did not expect any difficulties. "He's doing well and is very athletic," said Drysdale, a four-time winner of the Whittingham, named for his former boss. "Denon just did it." Jim Murray runner-up Denon, the 2002 Whittingham champion, won the Manhattan Handicap (gr. IT) at 1 1/4 miles on turf Saturday at Belmont Park.A field of five or six is expected for the Whittingham. Considered probable are: Storming Home, Gary Stevens, 124; Blue Steller, Patrick Valenzuela, 116; Mister Acpen, Victor Espinoza; and a T N T Stud entry of Gigli, Alex Solis, 113; and Cagney, Mike Smith, 112.On the fence is Night Patrol (114), runner-up to Denon in the 2002 Whittingham. Trainer Nick Canani also nominated the 7-year-old gelding to the Californian the same day and said he would decide at entry time.Ballingarry (118), third-place finisher in the Jim Murray, remained a possibility but is more likely to run in the Stars and Stripes Breeders' Cup Turf July 5 at Arlington Park for co-owner Sid Port of Chicago.
Trainer Richard Mandella said that Redattore (122) would pass and could return in the American Handicap here July 4. Passinetti (114) was ruled out by trainer Ben Cecil. "He had a little heat in an ankle and I've backed off on him," Cecil said Sunday of the San Juan Capistrano Handicap winner.
