Trainer Enver Jusufovic was pleased with Pinstriped’s performance during a Cranbourne barrier trial as the gelding builds up for a Group 1 comeback at Caulfield.
Pinstriped is set to compete in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) this Saturday.
The race has drawn 13 contenders, including Angel Capital, Another Wil, Just Folk, Mr Brightside, Schwarz, and Southport Tycoon.
Entries for the first Group 1 event of 2025 remain open until 10am on Tuesday.
Although Pinstriped officially finished fifth in Monday’s 800m trial, jockey Ben Allen urged him forward past the post to extend his workout.
“I had him nominated in a 1000-metre trial as well,” Jusufovic said.
“I procrastinated and they rang me to say they would have had to divide the 1000-metre trial and have only five or six runners in both.
“With the stronger tempo in the 800-metre trial, I prefer that sometimes, as over 1000 metres they sometimes jump and hold up all-the-way.”
Jusufovic celebrated his first Group 1 victory when Pinstriped edged out Mr Brightside in the Memsie Stakes over this same course and distance in August.
Heading into Saturday’s race, Jusufovic is confident that fitness will not be an issue for his runner.
“I’ve had to get the weight off him this campaign as all his life I’ve been trying to put weight on him,” Jusufovic said.
“I’m happy with his body, he’s got the mindset, and he does perform well fresh.
“We’re up against the usual culprits and they’re outstanding horses but I’m happy with where I’ve got him.
“He seems to go well at Caulfield. You would think a big striding horse like him would perform better on a bigger track, but he has got an affinity for Caulfield.
“Hopefully we can draw a good barrier.”
Ben Allen, who rode Pinstriped in Monday’s trial, will again take the reins on Saturday, marking his first race ride on the gelding since a sixth-place finish in the Cranbourne Cup last November.
Depending on Saturday’s result, Jusufovic outlined potential upcoming races, including the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 22 and the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington two weeks later.
“We may then look to give him a spell before another spring campaign,” Jusufovic said.
