Time has helped Lustre shine ahead of 2025 Bletchingly Stakes
New York Lustre will look to build on her impressive record when she steps out for the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday, with trainer Enver Jusufovic confident that patient planning has been the key to her rise.
The lightly raced mare has won five of her nine starts since debuting as a four-year-old, with Jusufovic crediting her success to a carefully structured training program that includes regular freshen-ups on the farm.
“Early on, I wouldn’t have thought she’d reach this level,” Jusufovic said. “But thanks to owner Mike Howard’s patience and the great management by Sarah Berry, we’ve been able to bring her along slowly, and she’s thrived on that approach.”
New York Lustre comes off a runner-up finish to In Flight in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m), a run that Jusufovic says has brought her to peak fitness for Saturday’s assignment.
“She came through her first-up run in great order. Jamie (Melham) and I think she’s spot on now,” he said.
The trainer also suggested that her racing career might be extended rather than retiring her to stud, given how lightly raced she remains. “She’s got more to give, and Jamie thinks there’s further improvement too. Saturday will give us a better idea of where she heads next.”
Punters keen to back New York Lustre can find the latest prices on leading betting sites.
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