Although it’s been nearly four months since his last start, the layoff apparently was good for Bernardini’s Stay Thirsty as he captured his first career Graded Stakes win in the G3 Gotham at Aqueduct racetrack on March 5.
Previously G1-placed in the Hopeful last fall, Stay Thirsty was allowed to stalk the leaders just off the pace throughout most of the race but when the field hit the stretch he was let out another notch and pulled away for an impressive win.
Bred by John D. Gunther & John Darren Gunther, Stay Thirsty is out of the winning Storm Bird mare Marozia, making him a half-brother to six winners including Stakes winners and G1 performers Andromeda’s Hero and Superfly.
Earlier in the day, the Bernardini filly A Z Warrior finished third in the G1 Santa Anita Oaks. Winner of the G1 Frizette last fall, A Z Warrior was making her first start in four months as well.
Bernardini is also the sire of G1 winner Biondetti, multiple Graded Stakes winner To Honor and Serve and G1-placed and G3 winner Theyskens’ Theory. Last year, Bernardini became the first sire ever to sire a G1 winner on both dirt and turf in his freshman crop. He has now sired a total of five Group or Graded winners.
