Medaglia d’Oro colt Nostradamus became the first Australian winner for his sire with a brilliant debut victory in the VRC Nursery Plate (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Sent out a short-priced favourite, Nostradamus quickly recovered after an awkward start to take the lead.  From there, the colt was never seriously challenged, going on to record a soft two-length victory over Jarklin (King Of Prussia) and Hennessy Rock (Fastnet Rock).

Nostradamus (2c Medaglia D’Oro – Leone Chiara by Lion Hunter) was bred by Almavale Bloodstock owner Ken ‘Tubby’ Turner and sold for $500,000 at the 2013 Inglis Easter yearling sale.  His dam won the G3 SAJC Irwin Stakes and her earlier foals include Group 1 winner Star Witness (MRC Blue Diamond & VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes).

Darley shuttler Medaglia d’Oro is a son of champion sire El Prado and he has been represented by 9 Group 1 winners in the northern hemisphere including USA Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra.

His second southern crop yearlings averaged $232,500 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions last week.

“He will head to the Blue Diamond and it would make a good story if he could emulate Star Witness,” co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said.  “He’s a dead-set two-year-old and flattened out really, really good.”

Nostradamus has firmed into an $8 second-favourite behind Darley filly Earthquake for the G1 Blue Diamond at Caulfield on February 22.