Pinstriped to bounce back in G1 Futurity Stakes

Trainer Enver Jusufovic remains optimistic about Pinstriped’s potential as the gelding prepares to contest the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday.

Pinstriped’s first-up run in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) was far from ideal, finishing near the tail of the field. However, Jusufovic isn’t dwelling on that result.

“Going into the race, from barrier 10, I did the form, and the speed map, and the number one spot, and I think everybody had the same idea, was to be behind Mr Brightside,” Jusufovic explained.

The initial expectation was for Mr Brightside to press forward, but with jockey Craig Williams holding back, many other runners—including Pinstriped—were forced to adjust their tactics.

“We didn’t have the speed out of the barriers to get in front of him early, so I said to Ben (Allen), hopefully something will be in the three-wide line, and you can track them, otherwise you will have to go back to last.

“I think by going back to last, he really switched off.”

Pinstriped was unable to make up significant ground, but Jusufovic pointed out that his closing sectionals were on par with those finishing ahead of him.

“I thought he would run on a bit better than what he did, so it was a bit of a head scratcher,” he said.

Since then, the stable has been pleased with the gelding’s condition.

“The horse has felt great. He’s come on from that run, so there’s no reason not to run him in the Futurity as he’s usually a genuine horse.”

Routine blood tests showed no irregularities, and his trackwork performances have been solid.

“We’ve put him over a few poles during the week, just to switch things up, and that’s brightened him up a bit,” Jusufovic said.

With a better race setup, Jusufovic is hopeful that Pinstriped can deliver a much-improved performance.

“Sometimes you can overanalyse things, and it’s better to just move on. What’s happened, happened.”