Group 1 winner Pinstriped is on track to return in the PB Lawrence Stakes next month, with a title defence in the Memsie Stakes to follow later in August.
Trained by Enver Jusufovic, Pinstriped delivered his handler a maiden Group 1 triumph in last year’s Memsie Stakes at Caulfield, getting the better of Mr Brightside in a thrilling finish over 1400 metres.
That win remains the most recent of seven career victories from 29 starts, with the gelding subsequently spelled after two underwhelming performances in the CF Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes earlier this year.
“His back really flared up,” Jusufovic revealed. “It’s been well documented that he has issues there, and it’s almost impossible to treat while they’re in full work.
“I could see he wasn’t striding out properly, slow out of the gates, and not comfortable at all, so I had to call it off and reset. Thankfully, he’s come back fantastic.”
Now a rising seven-year-old, Pinstriped is building toward a jumpout ahead of his August return and Jusufovic says the gelding is thriving at home.
“He’s not far away now,” he said. “We’ll head to the PB Lawrence, where he’s finished runner-up the past two years, and then onto the Memsie, which he won last year. If all goes to plan, we’ll continue to the Makybe Diva Stakes next.”
Elsewhere in the stable, five-year-old mare New York Lustre ran a gallant second in the Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield and will now be aimed at the Bletchingly Stakes later this month.
Jusufovic is confident his team is shaping well ahead of the new racing season kicking off on August 1.
“There’s a lot to like,” he said. “Philosopher is doing his early prep after his blistering win in the Adams Stakes earlier in the year. Mytemptation has come back looking superb, and he’s definitely progressive.”
“Proved is five from five and hasn’t put a foot wrong. But of course, Pinstriped is still the headline act. He’s looking a picture, and I’m hopeful he can deliver a strong spring campaign.”
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