Enver Jusufovic has registered his biggest victory as a trainer when Pinstriped took out the C S Hayes Stakes at Flemington.
Jusufovic trains a team at Cranbourne and Saturday’s Group 3 win over 1400m with Pinstriped was the most important of his career.
Pinstriped, who is now unbeaten in three starts, will return to Flemington in a fortnight to run in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m).
Under a cool, calm collected ride from Michael Dee, Pinstriped, the $5.50 equal favourite, ran down the leader Pascero ($6.50) to score by a half-length with Captivant, the other $5.50 equal favourite, a further three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
“I watched the race in the cheap seats by myself and took it all in,” Jusufovic said.
“It was just a magnificent effort.”
Jusufovic conceded there was still some work to do with Pinstriped before he makes his way to the Australian Guineas.
“He wasn’t great in the pre-parade, and he put a dint in the rail,” Jusufovic said.
“He reared up but the more we paraded him here today the better he got, and it is only his second prep and he’s still taking it all in.”
Saturday’s victory was the first for Pinstriped on good ground and Jusufovic said judging on the gelding’s victory he will not have any problem rising to the 1600m of the Guineas.
Dee said he was concerned when Pascero had opened a winning lead inside the final 200m.
“I didn’t think at all that we were going to pick up the leader until the last 50 metres when he really surged,” Dee said.
“He’s a very big horse and needs a lot of room. He’s got a very big, nice action and I was only more confident coming here to Flemington as he’s only been on soft tracks before.
“Utilising his action, I was confident that he’d go better on a good track.”
“Starting to wobble now…”Pinstriped wore Pascero down & recorded an amazing win