The Graduation Stakes at Del Mar takes center stage on Friday evening as six promising California-bred juveniles line up for the 75th running of this prestigious sprint. Part of the Golden State Stakes Series, which offers 31 races for Cal-breds statewide, the $100,000 feature is one of eight series events held this summer at Del Mar’s famed seaside oval.
Run over five furlongs on the main track, the Graduation Stakes at Del Mar has drawn four colts, one gelding, and a lone filly, with the race scheduled as the seventh on an eight-race card. First post on Friday is set for 4 p.m., with the feature expected at approximately 7 p.m.
Debut Winners Headline Graduation Stakes at Del Mar
Two lightly raced runners look poised to dominate the field. Hero Or Zero, a Reddam Racing homebred trained by Doug O’Neill, dazzled in his June 15 debut at Santa Anita, storming home six and a half lengths clear under Umberto Rispoli. The gray son of Pavel will break from the outside post, with Rispoli retaining the mount.
His main challenger could be Sammy Davis, a gelded son of Sir Prancealot trained by John Sadler for Legacy Ranch. Making his first start on July 19 at Del Mar, Sammy Davis showed sharp early speed before cruising to victory under Hector I. Berrios, who will again be in the irons.
The Filly Factor in Graduation Stakes at Del Mar
The only filly in the lineup is What’s a Good Name, a bay daughter of Grazen campaigned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison from the barn of Peter Miller. With one win from two starts, she teams up with Del Mar’s leading rider Juan Hernandez in search of a breakthrough stakes score.
Graduation Stakes at Del Mar 2025 Field Overview
From the rail out, the field comprises: What’s a Good Name (6-1); Desert Dawg (15-1, Welfin Orantes); Trump Era (6-1, Adrian Escobedo); Sammy Davis (9/5); Fionello (5-1, Armando Ayuso); and Hero Or Zero (8/5).
The combination of youthful talent, sprint speed, and Del Mar’s lively summer atmosphere promises an electrifying edition of the Graduation Stakes at Del Mar. Fans can follow all California-bred stakes coverage in RaceBuzz’s International section for results and recaps.
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