Trainer Enver Jusufovic has had his troubles with Group 1 winner Pinstriped over the gelding’s career.
Pinstriped has been diagnosed with kissing-spine, an ailment that has to be carefully managed.
Currently, Pinstriped is moving well, better than his trainer who is hobbling around with a hamstring strain.
Jusufovic’s problems have not stopped him preparing Pinstriped for a shot at the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, a race the gelding has run second in on two occasions.
Mr Brightside defeated Pinstriped in the 2023 edition while Gentleman Roy got the better of him in 2024.
Pinstriped finish seventh in last year’s race behind Private Eye.
Jusufovic departed from his usual preparation with Pinstriped this year, giving the gelding a run at Caulfield over Saturday’s trip last month, finishing fourth behind Coeur Volante.
The Cranbourne-based conditioner said it was a passmark.
“It was encouraging that it was the first time, for a while, that he’s really hit the line and gone through the line,” Jusufovic said.
“He had 62 kilos, first-up after a long break. I thought his run was definitely a passmark.
“Rather than give him three jump-outs like I normally do and go first-up over 1400 metres, I thought this was a good time to give him a start in restricted class and see how he performed.
“The pace was moderate as he usually needs a good tempo like when he won the Memsie he had Pride Of Jenni leading.
“That’s advantageous for him, but it was a good starting point for him and importantly he came through it well.”
Following that Caulfield outing, Pinstriped had a week in the paddock and since returning to the stable has undergone a different training regime to what has worked in the past.
“I’m working him differently this time, more like a sprinter, I suppose, but he’s got the tank to run out the mile, so I guess it’s just a matter of keeping him interested and competitive,” Jusufovic said.
“It can become mundane doing the same work, day-in, day-out, so you try different things in their work environment to keep them happy and interested.
“He seems to be over his back ailment and spends more time in the stable environment these days, rather than having to go out to the paddock and then pick him up again.”
Jusufovic will be guided by Saturday’s performance but concedes the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), a race Pinstriped won in 2024, is going to be a hot edition this year on August 29.
“We’ll work it all out which way we go after Saturday,” Jusufovic said.
“There are plenty of options.”
