DEL MAR – Trainer Doug O’Neill’s hopes of doubling in this weekend’s 2-year-old features at Del Mar were dashed Friday afternoon as soon as the gates opened for the $100,000 Graduation Stakes.
His 3-5 favorite Hero Or Zero stumbled out of the gate under Umberto Rispoli to start last in the field of five in the five-furlong sprint on the dirt for Cal-bred 2-year-olds.
With Hero Or Zero left at the gate, second-favorite Sammy Davis led wire-to-wire under Hector Berrios. What’s a Good Name (Juan Hernandez), the only filly in the field, was second the entire way. Hero Or Zero finished third, but was never in position to challenge for the lead.
Both Sammy Davis ($5.80) and What’s a Good Name won their debuts on July 19 at Del Mar. Trained by John Sadler, Sammy Davis, a son of Sir Prancealot,