Call Paul shakes off interference to win Saratoga Special

Call Paul shook off getting bumped in the stretch to win Sunday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special, making his stakes debut a winning one for trainer Jason Servis.

A Pennsylvania-bred son of Friesan Fire, Call Paul was a $210,000 2-year-old purchase from the Mid-Atlantic Sale for Michael Dubb, who is joined by David Simon, Bruce Irom and Bethlehem Stables in ownership. The bay colt made his first start July 5 at Delaware Park, stalking the pace to win by 2 ¼ lengths at five-and-a-half furlongs.

"I said, 'Well, whoever owns a piece of him should be real happy,'" Servis said about the first days with Call Paul. "That's what I told Mike because I think he's a damn good horse. And I don't know if he wants to sprint either. He galloped out really good the first time we ran him."

Call Paul stretched out an extra furlong in the Saratoga Special and was off as the 4-5 favorite, facing three other 2-year-olds. Todd Pletcher sent out two in Meade and Spinoff, and Steve Asmussen saddled Tight Ten.

Tight Ten initially went to the lead, but with no one vying for the pace, Call Paul took advantage under Irad Ortiz Jr. and set opening fractions of 22.48 and 45.98. Spinoff sat in third behind Tight Ten with Meade at the rear.

The first three colts turned together, but Call Paul still held a comfortable lead when they straightened out. Tight Ten moved up to challenge and bumped Call Paul. Ortiz Jr. straightened his mount out and the pair was able to find more momentum despite the interference.

Call Paul pulled ahead by a length in the end, stopping the clock in 1:16.55.

Tight Ten held for second over Spinoff and Meade.