He has a cute name borrowed from a popular beer ad campaign, has a daddy named Bernadini and is trained by Todd Pletcher.

I think that's all the criteria that some people need.

Relatively speaking, that's actually a better case than I've heard for many horses.

SATURDAY (2/5) 3rd Race (01:49 PM) ALLOWANCE

1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $51,500. FOR THREE YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES.

1 Casper's Touch 3 C L 118 Leparoux Julien R. McPeek Kenneth G.
2 El Grayling 3 C L 118 Lopez Paco Maker Michael J.
3 Shadow Warrior 3 C L 118 Castellano Javier Arnold, II George R.
4 Strike Oil 3 C L 118 Maragh Rajiv Casse Mark E.
5 Fort Larned 3 C L 122 Bridgmohan Jermaine V. Wilkes Ian R.
6 Shackleford 3 C L 118 Castanon Jesus Lopez Romans Dale L.

I remember you saying on Hopeful day that he ran well.......you never gave an indication that you thought this horse was basically a bum. What made you change your mind? It's also kind of insulting to suggest that those who like him are out of our minds.

I didn't say he was a bum....not now, not ever. He did run OK in the Hopeful, and better than I expected, but what about the rest of his year makes anyone think he is some kind of TC horse? He didn't run again until the BC Juvie, where he did an invisible man impersonation, and now he is returning for his 3YO debut four months later in the Gotham. Does this sound like a horse you should have confidence in?

To me he sounds like a horse of some ability, that for some reason rarely shows up on the racetrack, and has given zero indication that he will relish a distance. You need to do better than " I like his sire therefore I like him " to get me to fall into line.

Had he been pointed to the Delta Jackpot rather than the Breeders Cup Juvy, he most likely would have already be in, and the conversation would be taking a different tone in my opinion.

He's at least as talented as Gourmet Dinner, who's connections have since made a mockery of.

Stay Thirsty isn't as fast early - middle - or late as Uncle Mo is. That's kind of a problem.

Also - what makes him so likely to develop rapidly? I suppose you can always try putting Borel up and having him take way back. I wouldn't touch Stay Thirsty in a future book even at a very fat price.

Andy, I definitely don't expect you to fall in line with mine or anyone else's opinions - I respect yours that's why I was curious. I thought he ran well in his debut and I thought he was fine in his maiden win, though I know people weren't impressed. I'm willing to throw out his Juvy because I thought he was put in a tough spot. Plus, yes, I do think he'll improve as a 3 year old - yes, a lot of it is based on pedigree. I admit I'm going basically on faith here and if he doesn't run well in the Gotham, well I will admit I was wrong.

Yes, I know that - but no one is Uncle Mo at this point. I only asked Andy because I was curious to get his perspective based on a comment he had made. I totally understand why he's underwhelming to most people......and it doesn't bother me. I've learned as a sports fan that it doesn't matter what I think or anyone else thinks - the horse or the team or the player is going to perform the way they will regardless. I could be dead wrong about ST and it wouldn't be the first time. Anyway, my Derby horse is THAS - I would be crushed if I were wrong about him (not that I'm predicting him to win the Derby - it's just that if he didn't turn out like I hoped, it would bother me)

THAS is close, but really who is as fast as Mo at this point?

Afternoon Deelites.

His full sister Minishaft is a runner.

I can't tell Joey, are you being stupid, or are you just being cute?

I do not understand IC.

Not many people understand me Joey, don't worry.

However, I'm pretty sure Minishaft is not a sister to Afternoon Deelites.

Minishaft is. At least Im 99% sure. Its an old KMC turf filly. Maybe 12-18 months ago, ran on the turf at Toga and Belmont.

Are you confusing A Little Warm for Afternoon Deelites?

No. AD beat Thunder Gulch for fun in the Futurity. I remember it well, I was 8. My bowling team that year was named Thunder Gulch....
He also beat Timber Country in another race. He was really good at 2.

Of course he is. Or he's fishing for attention.

Or both.

Minishaft's sire wasn't even alive when Afternoon Deelites was running.