Call Paul Dials Up Seasonal Debut in Swale Stakes

Call Paul will make his seasonal debut in the Feb. 2 Swale Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park as the most accomplished runner of 11 sophomores signed up for the $150,000 event going seven furlongs.

After a maiden score last July, trainer Jason Servis pitched Call Paul into the Saratoga Special (G2), in which he came home a one-length winner. He hit the board in the Champagne Stakes (G1) next, but was third beaten six lengths. After rolling another third in the Nashua Stakes (G3), Call Paul shortened up from those two one-mile efforts and got back to his winning ways with a five-length score in the seven-furlong Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes for horses bred in the Keystone State.

As a sprint the Swale is not a Road to the Kentucky Derby points race, but could prove a steppingstone for a horse with Derby aspirations.

Zenden is one of those still-developing horses. The son of Fed Biz  is undefeated in two six-furlong starts at Gulfstream, including a two-length victory in the Buffalo Man Stakes last out. Like Call Paul, Zenden has done his running from a stalking position. He will be lengthening out an extra furlong here from his first two races.

Also stretching out is Marablue Farm's Country Singer, who won his previous two starts by a combined 12 lengths. Trainer Ralph Nicks said the son of Majesticperfection is going in the right direction.

"He's headed in the right direction. His races have been good. His last race was very impressive," Nicks said. "He's a big strong, pretty horse. I would expect a very good race from him Saturday."

High Crime was an impressive maiden winner last out at Gulfstream, a front-running 7 ¾-length win at six furlongs. Jackson ran second behind Zenden last out after setting the pace. The Florida-bred son of Kantharos  won the Juvenile Sprint for state-breds two back and looks to be a versatile sort who has shown speed plus the ability to run on from behind.

Seismic Jolt, another Florida-bred son of Kantharos, took the Limehouse Stakes for state-breds last out by daylight after a five-length maiden win two back. He is owned by Stonestreet Stables and e Five Racing, who campaigned champion Good Magic .