Trainer Enver Jusufovic is beginning to see the rewards of his patient approach with talented mare New York Lustre. The rising six-year-old will line up for just her tenth career start in Saturday’s Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, where she will again be partnered by jockey Jamie Melham.

New York Lustre has already amassed five wins since making her debut as a four-year-old at Stony Creek in December 2023, a career trajectory that even her trainer admits was unexpected.

“I think sometimes we judge horses too early,” Jusufovic said. “Honestly, based on what she showed me in her early days, I never thought she’d reach this level. It’s a real credit to Mike Howard, her owner and breeder, who has been incredibly patient. With Mike and Sarah Berry, his farm manager, we’ve found a system that really works for her.”

The mare has been handled with a careful long-term plan, returning to the farm for short breaks and pre-training between campaigns. That approach has helped her thrive and progress steadily through the grades.

Saturday’s start will mark her second attempt at black-type success after finishing runner-up to In Flight in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on July 12. She had earlier been withdrawn from the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) in Adelaide after a barrier incident.

Following a brief paddock spell and pre-training stint, Jusufovic said New York Lustre wasn’t fully wound up for her first-up run, but he has been delighted with her subsequent progress.

“We opted to run her even though she was a touch underdone, and she was simply beaten by a fitter horse on the day,” he explained. “Her work since has been fantastic, and Jamie and I both feel she’s ready to produce a big performance on Saturday.”

Jusufovic believes New York Lustre still has untapped potential, especially given that mares like Bella Nipotina have achieved Group 1 success well into their older seasons.

“There was a thought of retiring her to the breeding barn now that she has black type,” Jusufovic said. “But because she’s so lightly raced, Jamie and I feel there’s still plenty of upside. Mike is also starting to think the same way, and Saturday’s run will help decide her future.”

Punters can find the latest odds for New York Lustre through leading betting sites.