Sammy Davis had a smooth start and an easier time than expected en route to a win in his first start in a stakes in Friday’s $98,000 Graduation Stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds at Del Mar. The complexion of the five-furlong race changed dramatically at the start when 3-5 favorite Hero Or Zero stumbled and then leapt in the air. The incident left Hero Or Zero in last place in a field of five, while Sammy Davis had an uncontested lead. Ridden by Hector Berrios, Sammy Davis set a modest pace of 22.23 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.35 for a half-mile. The second choice in the betting, Sammy Davis ($5.80) won by 2 1/4 lengths over 7-1 What’s a Good Name, the only filly in the small field. Sammy Davis was timed in 57.92 seconds, and earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 78. :: Play to Win at Del Mar! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, Picks, and Betting Strategies all in one place.  “He kind of popped the gate,” winning trainer John Sadler said in a television interview. “In a short race like this, you have to ride the break.” Hero Or Zero, the impressive winner of a maiden race by 6 1/2 lengths in his debut on June 15 at Santa Anita, recovered to finish third but was beaten 3 1/4 lengths. Fionello and Trump Era completed the order of finish. Desert Dawg was scratched. Sammy Davis is unbeaten in two starts, beginning with a maiden race at five furlongs on July 19 at Del Mar. A gelding by Sir Prancealot, Sammy Davis has earned $105,000 for owner Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.