Nostradamus Back To His Best In Gold Coast Guineas

Nostradamus relished the dry conditions to return to winning form in the 2015 Gold Coast Guineas in Queensland this afternoon.

Nostradamus looked set to stamp himself as one of the most talented three-year-olds in Australia when he took out the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, but he was plagued by wet tracks and no luck in running for the rest of his campaign.

The Medaglia D’Oro colt started his autumn campaign with slightly disappointing performances in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 28, the Listed MSS Security Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on March 14 and the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) at the Royal Randwick on April 11, but he took advantage of a firmer surface at the Gold Coast to run down Time For War in the final stages of the Gold Coast Guineas and record an impressive victory.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes admitted that the return to a dry track played a big role in the Gold Coast Guineas victory of Nostradamus and he revealed after the race that the three-year-old may have saved himself from a gelding operation by taking out the Group 3 event.

“It has kind of been d-day for him,” Hawkes said.

“There was a lot of speed on and we thought that we would bring him up here and have a crack at the race.

“He has always had the ability, but maybe between his legs might have been thinking a little bit but he has got a reprieve I think.

“He has done a great job.

“I will give Hughie (Bowman) credit because he gave him a great ride, he just waited and waited, the split came and he went bang.”

Hawkes said that his initial plan was to send Nostradamus back to Sydney for a stint in the spelling paddock, but he confirmed that the stable may elect to change their plans with the three-year-old and keep him in Brisbane.

“He was going home tomorrow night and we might just have to rethink that,” Hawkes said.

“We will see what happens and we will make a decision in the next 24 hours.”

Time For War looked like the winner at the 200 metre mark before he was caught by Nostradamus late, but still produced a good performance in his debut for new trainer Stuart Kendrick, while Traveston Girl hit the line strongly to finish third in a strong return to racing.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.