Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 11 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 11 hours ago Osipenko breaks his 643-day drought by securing the Listed January Cup with jockey James McDonald at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, January 18. Photo: Bradley Photos Osipenko returned to the winner’s circle in the Listed January Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday, breaking a 643-day drought in emphatic style. Guided by a masterful ride from James McDonald, the Chris Waller-trained gelding showed his class, storming home to secure a 3/4-length victory over Converge, with Saltcoats finishing third. McDonald, who claimed his fourth win from five rides on the day, positioned Osipenko perfectly in the early stages. Settling just behind the speed, the five-year-old enjoyed an uninterrupted run before peeling off the rail at the top of the straight. Despite a lengthy spell from the winner’s list, Osipenko responded powerfully, surging past rivals to claim a well-deserved victory at $3 odds with the top horse racing bookmakers. Rosehill 2025 January Cup Replay – Osipenko https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rosehill-2025-Listed-January-Cup-18012025-Osipenko-Chris-Waller-James-McDonald.mp4 “It’s been a long time coming, but we always knew the ability was there,” Waller stable representative Charlie Duckworth said post-race. “He’s competed at the top level and gelding him has really helped him focus. His last couple of runs showed he was building towards this.” McDonald, celebrating his 50th win of the season, was full of praise for the horse. “There’s always been talent with him,” he said. “He’s been racing against top-class horses, and today it all came together. He relaxed beautifully, travelled well, and gave me a great feel turning for home.” “He should’ve won the Caulfield Guineas, and when you’re talking in that kind of era, you come to 2,000 metres heading into an autumn carnival; you’d think he’d get his hoof on the till, so to speak.” “He was well placed today and got a lovely run, good barrier, and he did the rest and wouldn’t be surprised if he now gets a couple together.” The gelding’s last victory came in June 2022, and this performance suggests he could be set for a strong autumn campaign. Final placings saw Converge run on strongly for second, while Saltcoats, also from the Waller yard, battled on bravely for third. Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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