Osipenko Back with a Bang at Rosehill Gardens

Talented 5YO Pierro gelding Osipenko proved he hasn't lost his touch with a decisive win in the Listed January Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday, reports racingnews.co.nz. The Chris Waller-trained gelding, who last tasted victory in the 2023 Gr3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m), reminded everyone of his class. It was also a triumphant return for globe-trotting jockey James McDonald – he bagged a quartet of winners – riding at a Sydney Saturday meeting for the first time since October's Everest day. Positioned third throughout, Osipenko made his move around the home bend, securing a 1.25-length victory over Converge (Frankel) with stablemate Saltcoats (Ardrossan) finishing three lengths back after a troubled run. Osipenko's victory was part of a memorable day for Waller, who also celebrated wins with big ticket Wootton Bassett colt Wodeton and Tajanis (Australia). While Waller himself was absent, his representative, Charlie Duckworth, lauded McDonald's skills, saying, "It seems effortless for him at times. He's incredibly balanced in the saddle and also in his home life, which is important. James can come to work every day with a clear mind and do what he has to do." Duckworth acknowledged Osipenko's journey back to form after losing his way post-promising performances as a 3YO. "He was competing at Group level and we thought he could win a Caulfield Guineas (Gr1, 1600m)," Duckworth said. "It's taken time and experimenting since gelding him, but Chris eventually stripped things back – removing headgear, letting him simply enjoy being a horse – and he's thriving." Encouraging signs were evident in his recent narrow defeat in the Summer Cup, signaling a resurgence in his passion for racing. Bred by the late Kevin Hickman, Osipenko is by Pierro and was purchased for $160,000 from Valachi Downs' 2021 Karaka draft by Guy Mulcaster for Chris Waller Racing and the Kaha Syndicate.