New York Lustre continues winning streak in Proud Miss Stakes

After a stylish first-up win at Moonee Valley, New York Lustre is now on course to chase Stakes success in Adelaide for trainer Enver Jusufovic.

The promising mare will be aimed at the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on May 10, following her victory in Saturday’s FRS Fire Services Handicap (1000m).

Ridden by Carleen Hefel, New York Lustre ($2.45 fav) recovered from a sluggish start to defeat Gitalong ($8) by three-quarters of a length, with Machinist ($3.90) just behind them in third.

Jusufovic said the mare’s racing manners can sometimes cause issues early, but her class was clear from mid-race.

“She was a bit tardy out of the barriers,” Jusufovic said.

“She can be a little bit restless there, but the way the race panned out, Carleen got her into a wonderful position and I thought from the 600 (metres) onwards she was the one to beat.

“First-up, she’s unbeaten, bar her first ever race start, so hopefully the horse pulls up well and we’ll go to Adelaide.”

Jusufovic had long planned a Black Type campaign for New York Lustre and said earning valuable credentials for owner Mike Howard was a key goal.

“Mike Howard is a breeder and an investor in the industry, so to get a bit of Black Type is important for his cause and his business,” Jusufovic said.

“I don’t know what the ceiling is with this mare yet, but to win five in a row, like another horse of mine has done this prep, it’s great and I’m hoping for bigger and better things with them.”

He also praised the teamwork between himself, Howard, and Sarah Berry, saying their unified approach has been crucial to the stable’s ongoing success.

“We’re patient people, we discuss things logically and if things aren’t working out, we’ll work out a plan,” Jusufovic said.

“It’s all about having structures in place and I’ve got two people who are on the same page as to how I operate.”