In 2017, a bay yearling by Friesan Fire stepped cautiously into the sales ring at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall Yearlings Sale in Timonium, MD. The hammer fell at the modest price of $20,000 for the colt, with the final bid going to Grassroots Training & Sales. However, it wouldn't be the last time this humble youngster went through the sales ring.
As time passed, the small yearling blossomed into a strong, athletic two-year-old. The decision was made by his owners to enter the colt in the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale in May of 2018. His swift way of moving on the track and his pedigree of potential turned more than a few heads the second time around, as the colt resold for the lofty price of $210,000. The final bid placed the colt in the care of Michael Dubb, David Simon, Bethlehem Stables, and Bruce Irom, who named the newest recruit of their stable, Call Paul.
At first glance, there wasn't much immediate black-type to be found on the maternal side of Call Paul's pedigree. His dam, Avani Force (Forestry), had won five of her eight races during her time on the track, but never broke the threshold into the elevated heights of stakes glory. However, her class was apparent, as she passed her winning ways onto her two previous offspring. However, just like their mother, neither foal went on to score in a graded stakes race.
The second dam in Call Paul's pedigree, Avani (Gulch), failed to make it to the races herself. However, four of her five offspring to race made it to the winner's circle, validating the class and potential that coursed through this family line.
When you take a look at Call Paul's third dam, you can quickly see where the lure and promise resides, as this family tree is loaded with success and talent. The mare, Royal Straight Flush, is by 1977 Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew. Unraced herself, Royal Straight Flush is a full sister to the undefeated Champion Two-Year-Old Filly of 1982, Landaluce, and a half-sister to graded stakes winner, Clout. Of the nine horses that Royal Straight Flush produced, seven became winners, included graded stakes winner and producer, Tenga, and graded stakes winner, Jade Flush, who ended up becoming a lucrative producer as well, as all six of her offspring have made it to the winner's circle.
With the strength and talent of past champions coursing through his veins, Call Paul carried with him a world of potential to the racetrack. And it didn't take long for his true spirit to come out. Under the care of trainer, Jason Servis, and the guidance of Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle, Call Paul made his racing debut at Delaware Park on July 5. Beneath an overcast sky, Call Paul set sail in his first test, dashing through 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast main track. The bold and agile youngster eagerly sprinted toward the front of the pack and there he stayed. Without looking back, Call Paul waltzed past the finish line with ease, acing the first challenge of his career by 2 1/4 lengths.
A month later, Call Paul stepped things up, traveling to Saratoga Race Course to compete in the $200,000 Saratoga Special Stakes Presented by Miller Lite (Gr.2). Treading into stakes company is a daunting task for any horse, but Call Paul took it all in stride.
When the starting gates sprang open for the 6 1/2 furlong event, the field took off in a frenzy of excitement, resulting in some bumping during the beginning stages of the race. Meade, a Todd Pletcher trainee, bumped into Call Paul twice right out of the gate, which resulted in Call Paul thudding into Spinoff, a debut winner who was also conditioned by Pletcher. Ever the professional, Call Paul was quick to shake it off and brazenly put himself back in the thick of it. With a swift and decisive kick of his legs, Call Paul thundered to the front and took command. The plucky Pennsylvania-bred led his foes on a merry chase around the historic track, dashing through furlong after furlong with unwavering speed and determination.
As Call Paul cruised around the turn, it looked as if he was home free. But once again, things took an unexpected turn. In midstretch, Tight Ten made a bid for the lead, making contact with Call Paul and briefly breaking the momentum of the Friesan Fire colt. Calling upon his strength and class, Call Paul regained his speed and charged forward, digging in and refusing to yield to challenge of Tight Ten. As the duo blazed down the stretch, they made contact once again at the sixteenth pole. Proving his resiliency, Call Paul determinedly pressed on, pounding over the wire by a length over his stubborn rival, and completing the race in a final time of 1:16.55.
Sent off at final odds of 4-5, Call Paul returned $3.70 and $2.40 to his backers for his victory.
With an undefeated record and a Grade 2 to his name, Call Paul is now ready to step things up once again and test his luck in the $500,000 Grade 1 Champagne Stakes on October 6, at Belmont Park. A lot will be on the line in this one-mile test, as the Champagne Stakes serves as a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" challenge, resulting in an automatic berth into the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile (Gr.1) on November 2. The Champagne Stakes also holds coveted points toward the Kentucky Derby (Gr.1), as it will reward ten points to the victor.
A strong field of ten will assemble for the Champagne Stakes on Saturday. However, as talented and well-bred as the contenders are, Call Paul stands as the lone graded stakes winner in the field. He will look to maintain that title when the gates spring open, as he seeks to obtain his first Grade 1 victory, and hand both Servis and Ortiz their second victory in this esteemed event.
With morning line odds of 4-1, Call Paul is set to break from post #5. Should Call Paul maintain his perfect record on Saturday, it will not only open the door to a start in the illustrious Breeders' Cup Juvenile, but will also pave the way for a potential future in the "Run for the Roses" when the legendary first Saturday in May rolls around. A lot will be on the line for this gifted son of Friesan Fire, and he appears more than ready to rise to the challenge.
Post time for the Champagne Stakes (Gr.1) is 5:35 ET
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