Pinstriped on track for All Star Mile

Cranbourne trainer Enver Jusufovic enjoys a game of golf and as part-owner Rod West went to draw the barrier for Pinstriped in the All-Star Mile he wondered if ‘mulligans’ were allowed.

A mulligan is a second attempt at a botched golf shot, but Jusufovic did not need a redraw for Pinstriped after West drew barrier eight.

Pre-race Jusufovic wanted anywhere between four and eight for Pinstriped who on Saturday will be lining up for his fifth race start in the $5 million All Star Mile over 1600m at Flemington.

Pinstriped won his first three starts, a maiden on heavy ground at Moe, a 1200m race at The Valley before running down Pascero in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington last month.

On the strength of that win, Pinstriped was sent out the equal second favourite in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 5, finishing an unlucky fifth.

Being an AFL follower and a supporter of St Kilda, Jusufovic has learned over time not to dwell too long on disappointments.

“You can’t change the result. I moved ahead pretty quickly and looked forward to the next run,” he said.

“I never thought in my wildest dreams that he would have been thought of in any capacity to be in this race, so it’s exciting.”

While many would have replaced their jockey following that last start, Jusufovic and the ownership group have stuck with Michael Dee.

“Mick is a great bloke,” Jusufovic said.

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders, and he’s ridden Group 1 winners, and he’s ridden them here.

“He won the Guineas last year and this year he was on one that was in the market.

“Sometimes you can over analyse races and he may have done that last start, so we’ll keep it simple but have a game plan as well.

“We’re out of the under 18’s now and taking on the seniors so it will be interesting, but Pinstriped has got the physique and mental toughness to be competitive.”

About RS NewsWire

Racing and Sports is a global publisher of online horse racing form and information, and a leader in interactive racing technology. Racing and Sports is at the cutting-edge of information technology, allowing businesses and website users first access to emerging technologies.

Bookmaker Why Bet Sign Up Full Review
Bet Now at ladbrokes Back Yourself with Ladbrokes! Join Review
Bet Now at neds Back a Winner with Neds! Join Review
Bet Now at palmerbet Sign up to Unibet and start betting in minutes! Join Review
Bet Now at tab Sign up to TAB and start betting in minutes! Join Review
Bet Now at playup Sign up to PlayUp and start betting in minutes! Join Review