Pinstriped is yet to crack it for a win at the highest but hasn’t been disgraced in five Group 1 runs, including the last two editions of the Toorak Handicap.
The rising six-year-old started his last spring campaign with a strong second to multiple Group 1 winner Mr Brightside in last year’s Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield.
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Jusufovic has decided to aim the son of Street Boss at the same race in 2024, bypassing Saturday’s Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington.
Jusufovic said he nominated Pinstriped to possibly run the gelding at Flemington if enough rain fell on the track in the lead-up to Saturday’s $200,000 feature.
“With the weather the way it is, if they forecast a lot of rain on the weekend, he loves the wet and gets through it so I thought it might be an option to kick him off,” Jusufovic said.
“But I looked at the forecast and it might only be 2mm or something.
“The plan was always to go to the PB Lawrence first-up so I’ll stick with that.”
Pinstriped has had two jumpouts at Cranbourne ahead of his return to racing, finishing fourth last Monday before improving to win his latest outing a week later.
Jusufovic said changed training circumstances could help Pinstriped outdo his last spring campaign, in which the smart galloper won the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at The Valley.
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“He’s a different horse this time in,” Jusufovic said.
“He was probably spent by then but I had to work him out of the stable last prep.
“But this time in, I’m able to work him out of a paddock so he’s a lot stronger and happier.
“I think he’s capable of a Group 1 win. I’ve often said he’s a late maturer and he’s a lot stronger now but he’s still got to do it.”
While Pinstriped is set to resume in the PB Lawrence Stakes, Jusufovic has not cemented the rest of his stable star’s spring schedule.
Jusufovic said a slightly rejigged spring carnival program could suit his plans to secure a Group 1 win with Pinstriped.
“The programming is a lot better this year where he can race every two weeks if I want to,” Jusufovic said.
“Other than that, I think I’ll just go one run at a time and hopefully get that Group 1 win with him.”
Originally published as Pinstriped to resume in PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield
