Stay Thirsty followed in the footsteps of his Champion sire Bernardini August 27 with a triumphant victory in the $1 million G1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga.
The spa has certainly treated Stay Thirsty well this year, as it was the three-year-old's second Graded victory for the meet. On July 30, he dominated in the G2 Jim Dandy Stakes, a feat his sire also accomplished. Prior to his Jim Dandy win, the dark bay was Classic-placed in the G1 Belmont Stakes.
During the one and one-quarter mile race Stay Thirsty pressed the pace and found himself in the perfect stalking position. Around the turn he began to take command, then opened up at the top of the lane and never looked back for a victory in the 'Midsummer Derby.'
The son of Bernardini was bred in Kentucky by John D. Gunther and John Darren Gunther. He is out of Marozia, by Storm Bird, who has also produced G3 winner Andromeda's Hero and G1-placed Superfly.
The leading second-crop sire, Bernardini is now the sire of three G1 winners from his first crop alone. In addition to Stay Thirsty, his other G1 winners are A Z Warrior and Biondetti. He is the sire of a remarkable seven G1 horses from this crop. A Champion son of A.P. Indy, Bernardini has already been represented by G2 winner Gamilati in his second crop.
