Stay Thirsty Scores In Gotham

     Uncle Mo's understudy Stay Thirsty made the most of his chance to play the leading role by stealing the show in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Race Track.  Stay Thirsty took command easily and remained in front for the win, but he lugged in during the stretch drive triggering an objection. Maybe he just wanted to add a little drama for his time in the spotlight. In the end, trainer Todd Pletcher gave a fist pump as the son of Bernardini's first graded stakes win was upheld and owner Mike Repole was able to return to the winner's circle once again.

     Next up for Mike Repole's Kentucky Derby hopefuls will be the 2011 debut of Uncle Mo on March 12th in the Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream Park. If all goes well with that start, Repole Stables will be loaded for the Derby. Stay Thirsty's win jumped him into the Top 10 in grades stakes earnings.

     It is unclear where this win will rank for Stay Thirsty when compared to other Derby preps.  This was his first start since finishing fifth in the 2010 Breeders Cup Juvenile, so it was expected he might not be completely fit. The winning time for the 1 1/16-mile race of 1:44.78 wasn't stunning either. Then there is the aforementioned lugging in.

     For Mike Repole, it is one win down in one debut. According to an interview with the The Bloodhorse, trainer Todd Pletcher was ecstatic and thought Stay Thirsty ran huge off the layoff. Now Uncle Mo will return to the spotlight and it is his turn to deliver.

CAPTIONS: Top, Mike Repole leads Stay Thirsty to the winner's circle (Sue Kawczynski/Eclipse Sportswire); Left, Todd Pletcher gives a fist pump as stewards leave the order of finish unchanged (Eric Kalet/Eclipse Sportswire); Right, Ramon Dominguez talks with owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher while awaiting the outcome of an objection (Eric Kalet/Eclipse Sportswire); Bottom, Ramon Dominguez looks under his arm and sees daylight as Stay Thirsty cruises home with a 3-length win in the Gotham Stakes (Sue Kawczynski/Eclipse Sportswire)