Expected to return to racing in exceptional form this time in, Nostradamus has displayed a keen turn of foot to comfortably take the lead and win the 2014 Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon.
Nostradamus has won the 2014 San Domenico Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart
Jumping from the gates well, the Medaglia D’Oro colt settled within the pack, allowing early leaders Sheer Style, Wandjina and Ygritte dictate a noticeably quick tempo over the final straight and rounding the bend.
Appearing to have allowed Sheer Style too great a start when rounding five or six lengths off the pace, Nostradamus quickly picked up the pace and began an impressive sprint to take up the lead and cross the line comfortably in the clear of a fast-finishing Washington Heights; Law running on to round out the minors.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes was pleased with Nostradamus’ win in the 2014 San Domenico Stakes, but conceded the run was not what the team had expected, and is confident of continued improvement through the Spring Racing Carnival.
“He probably actually started too good; the idea was to jump and have him behind the speed and he was, but he was a bit fresh today,” Hawkes said after the race.
“James (McDonald) had him nice and balanced and he really hit the line strong.
“He’s done everything right – he’s a lovely colt and obviously his value’s just gone up. He’ll keep improving; he wasn’t fully screwed down today.
“Once he actually got balanced and saw daylight and James just nursed him he just really hit the line solid.”
Jockey James McDonald completed a sensational ride on Nostradamus in the San Domenico Stakes, and was quick to lay the praise on Team Hawkes and the talented three-year-old.
“Today he was really on his toes and just a really different horse, but that’s how good John and the team are there – they get a horse peaking for the right day,” McDonald said after dismounting.
“I was a little bit worried in the last 50 metres, but he got the job done.
“He’s a beautiful colt, moves well and he’s got a bright future.”
Having contested one Group 1 event in his short career so-far; seventh in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 22nd, Nostradamus is now likely to progress to the featured Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 13th.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best odds on all races remaining at Rosehill this afternoon, and the best early odds on the 2014 Golden Rose!
2014 San Domenico Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | NOSTRADAMUS | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | James McDonald | – | 4 | 56kg | $3.60F |
| 2 | 6 | WASHINGTON HEIGHTS | Gerald Ryan | Brenton Avdulla | 0.8L | 1 | 56kg | $4 |
| 3 | 1 | LAW | Chris Waller | Glyn Schofield | 1.8L | 7 | 57kg | $21 |
| 4 | 5 | WANDJINA | Gai Waterhouse | Tommy Berry | 2.9L | 9 | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 5 | 2 | BUGATTY | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Blake Shinn | 3.5L | 5 | 56kg | $11 |
| 6 | 9 | YGRITTE | Gerald Ryan | Kerrin McEvoy | 3.9L | 3 | 54kg | $4.60 |
| 7 | 4 | BOLD CIRCLE | David Payne | Jeff Lloyd | 4L | 2 | 56kg | $20 |
| 8 | 7 | HAMPTON COURT | Gai Waterhouse | Tye Angland | 5.2L | 6 | 56kg | $31 |
| 9 | 8 | SHEER STYLE | Garry Frazer | Tim Clark | 7.3L | 8 | 54kg | $17 |
