Pinstriped peaking for 2025 Toorak Handicap assault

 Enver Jusufovic believes Pinstriped is ready to peak as he steps up to the mile in Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.

The gelding, who provided Jusufovic with his first elite-level victory in last year’s Memsie Stakes (1400m), has taken longer than usual to reach full fitness this preparation. After finishing midfield in his first two starts, Pinstriped returned to form with a strong fifth behind Sepals in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).

“He’s reaching peak fitness now and barriers haven’t helped in his previous runs,” Jusufovic said. “But I’m really happy with the horse and he’s drawn well to get a nice run. He’s finally where I want him.”

Jamie Mott, who rode the gelding for the first time in the Sir Rupert Clarke, retains the mount. “He’s a horse that needs momentum and a clear path,” Jusufovic said. “Last start he got checked halfway up the straight, but he still found the line well. I’m confident he’ll be very competitive on Saturday.”

Despite leading in the Memsie earlier in the campaign, Jusufovic ruled out similar tactics this weekend. “He’s not a leader, so we’ll forget that run,” he said. “He’s managing a few niggles but the team’s done a great job keeping him right. Jamie rode him on Tuesday and said he felt brilliant.”

Pinstriped has drawn ideally in barrier two and will look to stalk the speed in a race that suits his pattern. “He’s taken a few runs to come to hand, but I think he’s right where he needs to be,” Jusufovic said.

For those looking to back Pinstriped in the Toorak Handicap, the best betting offers and odds are available at Australia’s leading betting sites.