Trainer Enver Jusufovic has faced considerable challenges with the career of his Group 1-winning gelding, Pinstriped.
Pinstriped suffers from kissing-spine, an ailment that requires careful management.
Currently, the gelding is moving well, a contrast to his trainer, who is hobbling due to a hamstring strain.
Jusufovic’s personal difficulties have not hindered his preparation of Pinstriped for an attempt at the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, a race in which the gelding has twice finished second.
Mr Brightside defeated Pinstriped in the 2023 edition, with Gentleman Roy getting the better of him in 2024.
Last year, Pinstriped finished seventh in the race, behind the victorious Private Eye.
This year, Jusufovic opted for a different preparation strategy, giving Pinstriped a run at Caulfield over the same distance last month, where he finished fourth behind Coeur Volante.
The Cranbourne-based conditioner described the run as a “passmark”.
“It was encouraging that it was the first time, for a while, that he’s really hit the line and gone through the line,” Jusufovic commented.
“He was carrying 62 kilos on his first-up run after a long break. I considered his performance to be a definite passmark.
“Rather than subjecting him to three jump-outs, as I usually do, and then running him first-up over 1400 metres, I felt this was an opportune moment to give him a start in a restricted class race and evaluate his performance.
“The pace was moderate, and he generally thrives on a strong tempo, similar to when he won the Memsie Stakes with Pride Of Jenni leading.
“Such a scenario is advantageous for him, but this was a good starting point, and importantly, he handled it well.”
Following that Caulfield appearance, Pinstriped had a week off in the paddock. Since returning to the stable, his training regime has been altered from the methods that proved successful in the past.
“I’m training him differently this time, more akin to a sprinter, I suppose, but he has the stamina to cover the mile, so it’s about keeping him engaged and competitive,” Jusufovic stated.
“The repetitive nature of the same work day in and day out can become tedious, so we implement variations in their training environment to maintain their happiness and interest.
“He appears to have overcome his back ailment and is spending more time in the stable environment nowadays, rather than needing to go out to the paddock and then be brought back in.”
Jusufovic indicated that Saturday’s race outcome would guide their future decisions, but he acknowledged that the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), a race Pinstriped won in 2024, is shaping up to be a highly competitive event this year on August 29.
“We will determine our course of action after Saturday,” Jusufovic said.
“There are numerous options available.”
The PB Lawrence Stakes presents a valuable opportunity for Pinstriped to showcase his capabilities. Check out the racing betting markets for this event.
