It was Stay Thirsty who quenched victory in the G2 Jim Dandy Stakes July 30 at Saratoga going nine furlongs. The Bernardini colt defeated a talented field in dominating fashion at the historic New York track.
Stay Thirsty was entering off a gallant second-place effort in the G1 Belmont Stakes in June. The Jim Dandy was the second Graded victory for the three-year-old, who proved his early talent with his G3 Gotham Stakes win in March.
Patiently settling mid-pack, Stay Thirsty took time and advanced steadily in the opening one-half mile. Rounding the far turn, the son of Bernardini swung to the outside. He battled in the top of the stretch before drawing away in the final furlong to take command of the lead and never appeared challenged.
Stay Thirsty was bred in Kentucky by John D. Gunther and John Darren Gunther and is out of the Storm Bird mare Marozia. In turn, Stay Thirsty is a half-brother to G3 winner Andromeda's Hero, who was also second in the G1 Belmont, as well as Stakes winner and G1-placed Superfly.
Stay Thirsty is one of six Graded/Group winners for Bernardini, who currently leads all North American second-crop sires by 2011 earnings. He is the sire of seven G1 horses, among them G1 winners A Z Warrior and Biondetti. In his second-crop, he has already been represented by his juvenile daughter Gamilati, who was recently victorious in Newmarket's G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes. Bernardini stands at Kelvinside, NSW for $38,500 inc. GST.
