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By Ray Hickson

A slashing first-up run at Group 1 level told the Chris Waller stable that Osipenko is on track to continue rebuilding his reputation at Hawkesbury on Saturday.

Chris Waller's assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth (Pic: Bradley Photos).

As a younger horse Osipenko showed he had the potential to reach the top level, placing in a Caulfield Guineas at three.

After ending his three-year-old season with a heavy track win in the Frank Packer Plate of 2023 he had a run of 16 starts, over more than 18 months, until he broke through in the January Cup on a soft 7 earlier this year.

Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said the gelding’s resumption in the All Aged Stakes was encouraging as he heads into the Group 3 $250,000 Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m).

“He’s right back to where we thought he was as a three-year-old,’’ Duckworth said.

“He ran third in a Caulfield Guineas, then for whatever reason it took forever and a day to get back into form.

“He ended last prep in good fashion and he’s come back in even better style.”

Osipenko was a $151 chance in the All Aged and finished ninth behind Jimmysstar but it was his sectionals that stood out and highlighted how well he’s returned.

Punter’s Intelligence data showed he ran the fastest 400m-200m of 10.91 and his last 600m of 34.01 was third fastest in the race and just a tick outside the winner.

There was some concern that Osipenko might wind up top weight with his 104 rating but he’s got in with 57.5kg and Duckworth said it’s an important race for him with a view to joining the stable’s team for the Doomben Cup.

“We’ve got a strong hand in the Hollindale the week after, the likes of Lindermann and Buckeroo, some proper weight-for-age horses heading there,’’ he said.

“Whether Osipenko can go a softer option then go to a Doomben Cup we’ll see. We’re wanting to go and win with him, it’s more than just a stepping stone.”

Mare Of Mt Buller has been freshened up since her Epona Stakes win six weeks ago and joins Osipenko in the Cup field with the limit weight.

She’d been competitive over the mile with placings in her first two runs this preparation and Duckworth said “she’s explosive on her day” and isn’t out of place in the race.

Waller has won the Hawkesury Cup twice, with New Mandate in 2023 and Amovatio in 2016.

A gear change could be the key to unlocking the ability in Gatsby’s in the Group 3 $250,000 Elite Sand & Soil Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m).

The colt beat one home in the Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) on Day 2 of The Star Championships and the Waller stable is taking the advice of jockey Nash Rawiller in making the change.

“Nash gave us a strong push to take the blinkers off and step him up in distance so we’ve done that,’’ Duckworth said.

Osipenko's first-up run in the All Aged Stakes

“He goes from 1200m to 1400m, and a gallop without blinkers (Saturday morning) was good. He does look fairly sharp but relaxes beautifully without them.

“He’s a nice horse, we think he’s trying hard so if he can bounce back it’d be good.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Hawkesbury meeting