A sharp drop in weight has trainer Bruce Hill convinced improving stayer Vodnik can step up to winning in open company at Doomben on Saturday.

Vodnik finished second at his only start in England before being sold to an Australian syndicate which includes well-known owners Graham and Linda Huddy and Neil Werrett.

The five-year-old was originally trained in Sydney by Chris Waller and won a race at Kembla Grange before being sent to Gold Coast-based Hill.

Since joining Hill, Vodnik has won two restricted-class staying races and finished second to Newcastle galloper Artibai at Doomben three weeks ago.

Vodnik was given topweight of 59kg in a restricted race at Doomben last week but the meeting was washed out.

Hill decided to take on open company when he realised Vodnik would get the minimum of 54kg in the Sapphire Recuitment Handicap (2200m).

"He is a lovely horse and he just keeps improving with every week," Hill said.

"I think he is well up to open company in Brisbane and I am looking at the winter carnival for him."