
Trainer Enver Jusufovic was happy with what he saw from Pinstriped in a Cranbourne barrier trial in preparation for a Group 1 return at Caulfield.
Pinstriped is scheduled to contest the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.
The gelding is one of 13 horses entered for the race that includes Angel Capital, Another Wil, Just Folk, Mr Brightside, Schwarz and Southport Tycoon.
Nominations for the opening Group 1 race of 2025 have been extended until 10am on Tuesday.
Pinstriped finished officially fifth in Monday’s 800m trial, but jockey Ben Allen gave the gelding a push along past the line to do some extra work.
“I had him nominated in a 1000-metre trial as well,” Jusufovic said.
“I procrastinated and they rang me to say they would have had to divide the 1000-metre trial and have only five or six runners in both.
“With the stronger tempo in the 800-metre trial, I prefer that sometimes, as over 1000 metres they sometimes jump and hold up all-the-way.”
Pinstriped supplied Jusufovic with his maiden Group 1 win when he defeated Mr Brightside in the Memsie Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance in August.
Jusufovic said Pinstriped would not be lacking for fitness ahead of his return on Saturday.
“I’ve had to get the weight off him this campaign as all his life I’ve been trying to put weight on him,” Jusufovic said.
“I’m happy with his body, he’s got the mindset, and he does perform well fresh.
“We’re up against the usual culprits and they’re outstanding horses but I’m happy with where I’ve got him.
“He seems to go well at Caulfield. You would think a big striding horse like him would perform better on a bigger track, but he has got an affinity for Caulfield.
“Hopefully we can draw a good barrier.”
Ben Allen will ride Pinstriped on Saturday having partnered the gelding in Monday’s trial, the first time he has ridden the horse since his last start when sixth in the Cranbourne Cup in November.
Jusufovic said depending how Pinstriped performs on Saturday, the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 22 and the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington two weeks later would be the gelding’s next assignments.
“We may then look to give him a spell before another spring campaign,” Jusufovic said.