ALTHOUGH Chris Waller is gang tackling $1 million The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange with five runners he has placed Osipenko on a pedestal above the rest of his team.
“He’s a Group 1 horse although he hasn’t won one but he’s been placed at that level,” Waller said,
“His work has been good. He’s the best horse in the race and I’m confident.”
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Waller said Osipenko, who hasn’t started since he finished tenth in the Turnbull Stakes behind West Wind Blows was drawn out in barrier 10 but he had James McDonald on to overcome that.
Waller has placed blinkers on for the first time on Osipenko.
Osipenko is a $3.30 favourite with PlayUp.
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It will be the fifth running of The Gong. Waller won the first one in 2019 with Mister Sea Wolf.
Waller’s next shortest-priced runner in The Gong is Waterford who is $7.50.
“He can run a race. He’s been knocking on the door. He’s been genuine since we gelded him and he’s finally drawn a barrier,” he said.
He said New Mandate $20 was suited by a wet track when he won last start and he would be a chance in those conditions.
Waller said Waterford also likes it wet but needs it further and Skyman shouldn’t be far away.
