A Stakes race in Adelaide is on the agenda for New York Lustre after the Enver Jusufovic-trained mare resumed with a win at Moonee Valley.
The Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on May 10 is in Jusufovic’s sights after the mare took out the FRS Fire Services Handicap (1000m) on Saturday.
Sent out the $2.45 favourite under Carleen Hefel, New York Lustre scored a three-quarter length win from Gitalong ($8) with Machinist ($3.90) a nose away third.
New York Lustre overcame a tardy start to register her fifth straight win and join stablemate Proved who went through her first campaign registering an unbeaten record of five victories.
Despite the slow start, Jusufovic was confident that New York Lustre had her opposition covered at the 600-metre mark.
“She was a bit tardy out of the barriers,” Jusufovic said.
“She can be a little bit restless there, but the way the race panned out, Carleen got her into a wonderful position and I thought from the 600 (metres) onwards she was the one to beat.
“First-up, she’s unbeaten, bar her first ever race start, so hopefully the horse pulls up well and we’ll go to Adelaide.”
Jusufovic put a circle around the Proud Miss Stakes after New York Lustre completed her last campaign at Sandown in February.
He said getting some Black Type for the mare was important for the mare’s owner, Mike Howard.
“Mike Howard is a breeder and an investor in the industry, so to get a bit of Black Type is important for his cause and his business,” Jusufovic said.
“I don’t know what the ceiling is with this mare yet, but to win five in a row, like another horse of mine has done this prep, it’s great and I’m hoping for bigger and better things with them.”
Jusufovic is patient with his horses and thanked Howard, and the owner’s farm manager Sarah Berry who all are on the same page.
“We’re patient people, we discuss things logically and if things aren’t working out, we’ll work out a plan,” Jusufovic said.
“It’s all about having structures in place and I’ve got two people who are on the same page as to how I operate.”
