GRANTVILLE, PA – Trainer Jason Servis’ multiple graded stakes winner Call Paul far outclassed his fellow Pennsylvania-breds both on paper and on the track Saturday, zooming off to an easy win in the $100,000 Danzig Stakes at Penn National.
Breaking well from the far outside post 10 under Manny Franco as the 2/5 favorite, Call Paul glided up to apply pressure along the outside of early leader Admiral Abe through an opening 1/4-mile in :21.64. Meeting the pacesetter’s throat latch as he entered the far turn, Call Paul glided past effortlessly and held a clear lead by the time he straightened for home.
Under only mild encouragement from Franco, Call Paul cleared away much the best, winning the 6-furlong sprint over the fast main track by 6 lengths in a final time of 1:09.00.
Thiscatcanjump made a bid off of the far turn but had too much to do ahead of him and finished second, 1 3/4 lengths over Kaiju, with Splicethemainbrace another length behind in fourth. Our Philly Special broke in the air and was bumped leaving the gate but recovered to take fifth over Puttheglassdown, with El Pistolero, a spent Admiral Abe, and a nonthreatening Kick Kick Hustle completing the order of finish.
What a Laugh and Word On a Wing were both trainer scratches.
Call Paul’s win was his first since taking the Swale Stakes (G3) three races back at Gulfstream Park on February 2 and improved his record to 9-5-1-3. The 3-year-old son of Friesan Fire has now earned $474,520 for co-owners Michael Dubb, David Simon, Bethlehem Stables, and Bruce Irom.
Call Paul returned $2.80 to win, $2.20 to place, and $2.10 to show. Thiscatcanjump brought back $6.20 to place and $3.20 to show, while Kaiju paid $9.60 to show.
