The decision to geld Warnie has been pivotal in the Ciaron Maher-trained galloper developing a more composed demeanour, which is now translating into stellar performances on the racetrack.
Warnie displayed remarkable composure during the running of the Group 3 Chautauqua Stakes (1300m) at Sandown on Wednesday, before unleashing a powerful finishing burst.
Wednesday’s Group 3 event was rescheduled from Saturday’s Moir Stakes program at Sandown, where the final two races were abandoned due to significant rainfall.
The four-day delay did not hinder Warnie ($3.70), who, guided by Mark Zahra, capitalised on a strong pace to run down stablemate Tennessee Bound ($4.20) by 1-¼ lengths. Amenable ($7.50) secured third place, a long neck further back.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, commented on Warnie’s dominant victory, confirming 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 elaborated that Warnie’s gelding had facilitated a more relaxed attitude, curbing his previously free-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 acknowledged the proximity of the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, now only 10 days after its original intended date, was a consideration for the stable.
Consequently, the stable instructed Zahra to manage the horse’s effort with the swift turnaround in mind.
“It wasn’t ideal that we got pushed back from Saturday, but everybody was in the same boat,” Turnbull said.
Zahra conveyed his satisfaction with the race’s tempo, despite the reduced field size.
“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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