Seven Set For Swale

Saturday's $150,000 Swale (G2) replaced the Holy Bull (G3), an important prep that was won the past two years by Barbaro and Nobiz Like Shobiz, on Gulfstream Park's early February stakes schedule. But the 6 1/2-furlong event is probably too short for serious Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls at this stage of the year. As a result, a mostly unproven group of seven will contest Saturday's edition.

Hutcheson S. (G2) runner-up SILVER EDITION (Silver Deputy) is a serious win candidate. Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, the speedy colt figures to be a factor from the outset with Cornelio Velasquez. What a Pleasure S. runner-up COAL PLAY (Mineshaft), who hails from the Nick Zito stable, will attempt to rebound from a seventh in the Hutcheson, and Grade 3-placed ST. JOE (Trippi) will seek a measure of redemption following a sixth in the Delta Jackpot S. (G3) last out.

EATON'S GIFT (Johannesburg), a sharp allowance winner for Dale Romans at Churchill Downs last November, didn't fire when shipping to Hollywood Park for the CashCall Futurity (G1) last time and is eligible to rebound with an improved showing here. The Swale marks the stakes bow for the Kiaran McLaughlin-trained WINCAT (Hold That Tiger), who romped by 6 3/4 lengths when making his career debut at Philadelphia Park.

Multiple stakes-placed SURREALDEAL (Awesome Again) and former claimer MR. FOZ (Yes It's True) round out the field.

Mr. Foz, who doesn't have a rider listed, will lead the post parade. Next comes Eaton's Gift, Kent Desormeaux; Surrealdeal, Manoel Cruz; St. Joe, Eibar Coa; Silver Edition; Wincat, John Velazquez; and Coal Play, Eddie Castro.

All runners will carry 116 pounds.