More Group 1 potential from Medaglia d’Oro

Medaglia d’Oro colt Nostradamus was touted a Group 1 winner of the future after a brilliant debut at Flemington on Saturday and his sire unearthed another potential star on Monday.

Indianapolis (3c Medaglia d’Oro – Pretty ‘n Smart by Beau Genius) took the first step towards the G1 Kentucky Derby with a four length demolition of the LR San Pedro Stakes (1200m) at Santa Anita.

Racing first-up since a debut win at Hollywood Park in November, he won going away for Coolmore owners Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.  “We’ve always thought that Indianapolis has that super-star status,” trainer Bob Baffert said.  “From now on, we will stretch him out and hopefully win some big races leading up to the first Saturday in May.”

Indianapolis was a $490,000 buy at the 2012 Keeneland September yearling sale and is a half-brother to Group 3 winners Heart Ashley (Lion Heart) and Ashley’s Kitten (Tale of the Cat).  It’s also the family of Australian Group 1 sire Success Express.

Medaglia d’Oro is a son of emerging sire of sires El Prado and he shuttles to Darley Kelvinside for a $55,000 (inc gst) fee.

Nostradamus will take him into double figures at the elite level if successful in the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 22.