Pinstriped (Image: Racing Photos)
Enver Jusufovic couldn’t be happier with stable star Pinstriped who has returned to work at his Cranbourne stables following a well-below par finish to an otherwise consistent spring campaign.
Pinstriped started his preparation in Melbourne, placing at Group 3 and Listed level before finishing last in the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on October 29. Jusufovic says he has returned to work a more complete product.
“He’s settled back really well, he had a good break which he needed,” Jusufovic said.
“He’s put on quite a bit of weight in the short time and his action looks great.”
After competing in last year’s All-Star Mile at Flemington, Jusufovic is again hopeful his galloper can return to the fan-voted field next March at Moonee Valley but is refusing to place all of his eggs in one basket.
“I’ve put a nomination in for the All-Star Mile, but it really just depends on how he comes up, we really need to get his confidence back, and the owners’ confidence in the horse,” Jusufovic said.
“No mapping at this stage, really just want to go through my processes and just assess where he’s at, once I put him under a little bit of pressure I’ll start mapping out, I think the picture will be a lot clearer.”
Pinstriped has been mixing regular track work with trail and sand hill work as he builds momentum into an autumn campaign.
“Logan McNeil rode him this morning and said he just felt fantastic,” Jusufovic said.
“He’s got his regular masseuse every week, he enjoys that and he’s enjoying life at the moment.”