The gelding of Warnie has proven to be a key factor in the Ciaron Maher-trained galloper’s newfound composure, a trait that is now being reflected in his performances on the racecourse.

Warnie exhibited a relaxed attitude throughout the running of the Group 3 Chautauqua Stakes (1300m) at Sandown on Wednesday, before unleashing a powerful late surge.

This Group 3 race was postponed from Saturday’s Moir Stakes program at Sandown, as the final two races were cancelled due to heavy rainfall.

The delay of four days did not affect Warnie ($3.70), who, under the guidance of Mark Zahra, benefited from a strong tempo to track down stablemate Tennessee Bound ($4.20), securing victory by 1-¼ lengths. Amenable ($7.50) finished a further neck behind in third place.

Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, stated that Warnie was dominant in his win on Wednesday and confirmed the gelding’s next target is the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 19.

“There was good speed and Tennessee Bound had a bit of company upfront, and she was gallant in defeat, but to see Warnie sit back and have a few lengths to make up and quicken the way he did and eased down late, it was impressive,” Turnbull said.

“The 1400 (metres) to a mile is his go and he’s a horse that is held in high regard. He took a little while to get there when he was a colt, but now a gelding, it’s terribly exciting for all the connections.”

Turnbull explained that the gelding procedure had enabled Warnie to settle better and reduced his previous spirited nature.

“He was always a horse that was full in the bridle and very strong, both at home and on race day,” Turnbull said.

“He’s softened, gone from (needing) a Norton bit back to a crossover noseband and he’s just grown up essentially.

“When he reserves himself in the first half, he has that turn of foot in the second half.”

Turnbull mentioned that the stable was aware of the reduced gap between the Chautauqua Stakes and the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, which was now 10 days instead of the originally planned 14.

With this in mind, the stable requested Zahra to be conscious of the quick turnaround.

“It wasn’t ideal that we got pushed back from Saturday, but everybody was in the same boat,” Turnbull said.

Zahra indicated that while the field was small, he was pleased with the strong pace.

“They were flying along and I’ve ridden him before and he’s a horse that races best ridden dead cold,” Zahra said.

“If you do that, he absolutely flies home and I just rode him like that today and once I got him out to the good ground, he looked the winner a long way out.”

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