Pinstriped is ready to fire, according to trainer Enver Jusufovic, who says the gelding is finally at full fitness heading into Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.

The seven-year-old hasn’t hit the heights of last spring — when he claimed Jusufovic’s first Group 1 in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) — but his recent fifth in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) showed he’s trending the right way after two luckless runs to start the campaign.

“He’s reaching peak fitness now and barriers haven’t helped in his previous runs,” Jusufovic said. “I’m really happy with the horse and he’s drawn well to get a favourable run.”

Jamie Mott, who partnered the gelding for the first time last start, will again take the reins. “He had a better run last time, but still couldn’t build momentum when I wanted,” Jusufovic said. “He got checked halfway up the straight and he’s a horse that needs a clear path. I was very happy with how he finished off and I’m looking forward to Saturday.”

Jusufovic said Pinstriped’s fitness has taken longer to come this preparation but believes the gelding is now ready to show his best. “He’s not a leader, so we’ll forget that Memsie run,” he said. “He’s been well managed and while he carries a few niggles, he’s in great order. Jamie galloped him on Tuesday and his first word was ‘brilliant.’”

With a soft draw and a step up to 1600m, Jusufovic expects Pinstriped to get every chance to return to winning form. “He’s taken a few runs to hit his top this time in, but I think he’s there now,” he said.

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