Trainer Enver Jusufovic has a touch of confidence that Pinstriped has turned the corner fitness wise and is ready to peak at Caulfield.
The Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) on Saturday will be Pinstriped’s fourth run of the campaign and Jusufovic says the gelding is now reaching full fitness.
In previous campaigns, Pinstriped has been ready to go earlier in his campaigns, which last year included the gelding providing Jusufovic with his maiden Group 1 win in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield where he defeated Mr Brightside.
This spring has been a different story with Pinstriped finishing seventh in the P B Lawrence Stakes then running last in the Memsie Stakes, both over 1400m at Caulfield, before an improved showing came last start when fifth to Sepals in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) on September 20.
That was the first time Jamie Mott had been aboard the gelding, and he sticks with Pinstriped for Saturday’s Group 1 handicap.
“He’s reaching peak fitness now and barriers haven’t helped in his previous runs,” Jusufovic said.
“But I’m really happy with the horse and he’s drawn well to get a favourable run.
“He had a better run last time, but he still wasn’t able to go when I would’ve liked and then he got checked by the Hayes runner (Arkansaw Kid) halfway up the straight and he is a horse that needs momentum and an unimpeded run.
“I was very happy with how he performed and I’m looking forward to Saturday.”
While Pinstriped led in the Memsie Stakes two starts back, Jusufovic said the gelding was not a leader, adding barrier two should give the seven-year-old a nice run behind the pace.
Jusufovic said Pinstriped required a lot of attention for the niggles he carries, but added the horse is in great shape.
“He’s not a leader, so we’ll forget that run in the Memsie Stakes,” Jusufovic said.
“I wouldn’t say he’s over all his niggles, but he is well managed by the team and he’s as well as I could have him.
“Jamie came down and galloped him on Tuesday, and his first word was ‘brilliant’. He’s just taken a few runs this time in to reach peak fitness which I think he’s doing now.”
