Cossack Warrior’s later than anticipated start to his racing career has proved to be a blessing in disguise.

“He trialled in the spring and went nicely enough, without being outstanding, and the original plan was to race him in January, but he went through a hedge and cut himself quite badly,” trainer Catherine Cameron said.

“We lost a month through that, but he was always going to take a bit longer so it’s helped him really.”

The three-year-old has subsequently made up for lost time in fine style with consecutive wins at Matamata and Tauranga after an unlucky debut run for sixth at Te Awamutu, where he was denied room in the straight, in May.

“He was probably a certainty beaten at his first start and that showed at his next two runs,” Cameron said.

“He’s still a bit weak, but he’s a really nice horse and hopefully he’ll go on with it now.”

Cossack Warrior will head to the central districts for his next appearance in the Seaton Park 3YO (1400m) at New Plymouth on Saturday week.

“He’ll have a freshen up after that and then race through to the late spring and early summer,” Cameron said.

“We’ve kept him to 1400m so far because he’s showing speed and doing it easily enough, but he should go over more ground.”

By Shamoline Warrior, Cossack Prince is raced by Dave McKerchar and Janet Alexander who bred the gelding.

He is a half-brother to Bahhton and Aongatete Express, who have both won over middle distances.