Sammy Davis cruises to victory in Graduation Stakes
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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.
“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.
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