Trainer Enver Jusufovic is preparing his Group 1 winner Pinstriped for a trial at Cranbourne ahead of his racing return at Caulfield.
Pinstriped is set to resume in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on Saturday and will trial over 800m at Cranbourne on Monday.
The trial, scheduled for 7am, is one of the morning’s most anticipated heats.
“He’s heading to the Orr Stakes first-up,” Jusufovic said.
“His two jump-outs have been quite good and he’s on target, but I’ll trial him on Monday and that will be his final gallop ahead of the Orr Stakes.”
Pinstriped delivered Jusufovic his biggest victory when winning the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last August.
The gelding, who has battled back issues throughout his career, was given a break after finishing sixth behind Globe in the Listed Cranbourne Cup (1600m) in November.
“His back has been great this time in and the way he’s going, he should be in for a good prep,” Jusufovic said.
Ben Allen will ride Pinstriped in Monday’s trial, though the jockey for the Group 1 race on Saturday remains undecided.
Meanwhile, Jusufovic has confirmed that Philosopher will target the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington on February 15.
Philosopher returned to winning form at Sandown last week, claiming the Listed W J Adams Stakes (1000m).
It was the gelding’s first victory since defeating three rivals over 955m at Moonee Valley in February 2024.
“He’s very fit, he pulled-up great and he’s going super,” Jusufovic said.
“He nearly broke the track record the other day, and I think he’s better suited at Flemington as opposed to Caulfield.”
Philosopher has thrived on spacious tracks in his recent starts at Geelong and Sandown, prompting Jusufovic to aim for Flemington.
“You don’t know until you try,” Jusufovic said.
“Because they’re quick, you just think they’ll scoot around, but when you put them under pressure, it can find them out.
“That’s why big tracks suit him.”