Trainer Enver Jusufovic has faced his share of difficulties with the Group 1 winner Pinstriped over the gelding’s racing career.
Pinstriped has been diagnosed with kissing-spine, a condition that requires careful management.
Currently, Pinstriped is moving well, a state his trainer, who is hobbling with a hamstring strain, is not in.
Jusufovic’s personal troubles have not prevented him from preparing Pinstriped for a shot at the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, a race the gelding has finished second in on two previous occasions.
Mr Brightside defeated Pinstriped in the 2023 running, and Gentleman Roy got the better of him in 2024.
Pinstriped crossed the line in seventh place last year, behind Private Eye.
Jusufovic opted for a departure from his usual preparation with Pinstriped this year, allowing the gelding a run at Caulfield over Saturday’s distance last month, where he finished fourth behind Coeur Volante.
The Cranbourne-based conditioner assessed 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 stated.
“He carried 62 kilos first-up after a long break. I thought his run was definitely a passmark.
“Rather than giving him three jump-outs like I normally do and going first-up over 1400 metres, I thought this was a good time to give him a start in restricted class and see how he performed.
“The pace was moderate as he usually needs a good tempo like when he won the Memsie he had Pride Of Jenni leading.
“That’s advantageous for him, but it was a good starting point for him and importantly he came through it well.”
Following that Caulfield outing, Pinstriped spent a week in the paddock. Since returning to the stable, he has undergone a different training regime compared to what has been successful in the past.
“I’m working him differently this time, more like a sprinter, I suppose, but he’s got the tank to run out the mile, so I guess it’s just a matter of keeping him interested and competitive,” Jusufovic explained.
“It can become mundane doing the same work, day-in, day-out, so you try different things in their work environment to keep them happy and interested.
“He seems to be over his back ailment and spends more time in the stable environment these days, rather than having to go out to the paddock and then pick him up again.”
Jusufovic will be guided by Saturday’s performance but concedes the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), a race Pinstriped won in 2024, is expected to be a tough edition this year on August 29.
“We’ll work it all out which way we go after Saturday,” Jusufovic commented.
“There are plenty of options.”
Pinstriped’s presence in the PB Lawrence Stakes is significant, and punters can find the best betting sites for all the action.