Osipenko snaps long losing streak in January Cup
Having not scored since landing the Frank Packer Plate (Gr 3, 2000m) at Randwick in April 2023, the Chris Waller-trained Osipenko (5 g Pierro – Raskova by Henrythenavigator) got himself back into the winner’s circle on Saturday when taking out the January Cup (Gr 3, 2000m) at Rosehill.
The five-year-old gelding had shown signs that he was nearing another win when finishing second in the Summer Cup (Gr 3, 2000m) at Randwick on Boxing Day, and duly built upon that effort on Saturday to beat Converge (Frankel) by 1.2 lengths under an in-form James McDonald. There was a further 2.9 lengths back to the winner’s stablemate Saltcoats (Ardrossan) in third place.
“He was competing at Group 1 level as a three-year-old and we thought he could win a Caulfield Guineas,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said.
“But it’s taken a while to get him back to form and we have tried different things with him since having the horse gelded.
“We tried a couple of times to ride him up on the speed, get really aggressive with him and try to coax the best out of him but that didn’t work.
“Eventually, Chris decided to go back to basics, just leave him alone, took the head gear off and let him be a horse again and he’s enjoying his racing.”
“He’s been knuckling down and trying hard which we needed him to do because the talent has always been there.”
Meanwhile, of McDonald, who rattled off a four-timer on the card, Duckworth said: “It seems effortless for him at times. He’s incredibly balanced in the saddle and also he has that balance 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.’’