Trainer Enver Jusufovic does not see his unbeaten three-year-old Pinstriped racing on top of the ground for the first time being a hindrance at Flemington.
Pinstripe has been to the races on two occasions, for two wins, and takes a significant rise in grade on Saturday when he lines up in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m).
Both of Pinstripe’s wins were on a heavy track on debut at Moe and then on soft ground when a first-up winner at The Valley last month.
Michael Dee has had the sit aboard Pinstripe on both occasions and takes the ride again on Saturday in a race that will indicate to Jusufovic whether to head to the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) on March 5 with the gelding.
“Facts will show that he’s won both his races on rain-affected tracks,” Jusufovic told RSN.
“So, it is an unknown, but not many horses don’t handle good going.
“I was talking to Michael Dee and he said the track should be just right. He said it’s extremely well prepared and should suit.”
Pinstripe stamped his class in his first-up win at The Valley when he circled the field to win.
His victory defied the pattern of the day which suited horses racing on the speed.
Jusufovic said he has seen improvement in Pinstripe both physically and mentally since that win on January 29 and could not be happier with the gelding heading into Saturday’s assignment.
Pinstripe also steps to 1400m for the first time which does not concern Jusufovic.
“He’s always indicated to me that he would be suited to 1400 metres to a mile and down the track whether he may get further,” Jusufovic said.
“He’s got quite a good stride and he’s very clean winded.
“This is a good progression. It’s only his third start so he’s still learning what it is all about, but I think you’ll see a nice horse on Saturday.”
