Sammy Davis © Benoit Photo

Legacy Ranch’s Sammy Davis broke smartly, controlled the pace throughout and came away a two and a quarter length winner of Friday’s 75th running of the Graduation Stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds.

The gelding by Sir Prancealot covered five furlongs in :57.92 under Hector I. Berrios to earn a first prize of $57,000 from the total purse of $100,000. The winner is now two for two in his brief career and has earnings now of $105,000. John Sadler trains Sammy Davis.

Finishing second in the dash was the filly What’s a Good Name, who is owned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison. She was a length ahead of race favorite Hero Or Zero, owned by Reddam Racing. “Hero” went off at 7/10 but broke in the air and spotted his field several lengths, a margin he couldn’t make up.

Racing will resume at Del Mar Saturday with first post at 2 p.m.

HECTOR I. BERRIOS (Sammy Davis, winner) – “John (trainer Sadler) said ‘Just ride it as it comes up’. He broke good and we just went on with it. He was making most of the running on his own, then when I asked him, he finished up. I know the favorite (Hero Or Zero) had trouble at the start. Tough break for him; good for me.”

JOHN SADLER (Sammy Davis, winner) – “He kind of popped the gate. In a short race like this you just have to ride the break. These 2-year-old races are usually won up close or in front. So when you break good you just go. I’m glad he just let him run free.” 

FRACTIONS:  :22.33  :45.35  :57.92

The stakes win was the third of the meet for rider Berrios, but his first in the Graduation. He now has 22 stakes wins at Del Mar.

The stakes win was the second of the meet for trainer Sadler, but his first in the Graduation. He now has 88 stakes wins at Del Mar, second most among all trainers. 

The winning owners are Legacy Ranch of Pete Parrella of Chino, CA.