New York Lustre's racing days numbered before stud duties

Trainer Enver Jusufovic has indicated that New York Lustre's racing career is nearing its conclusion, with only a handful of starts remaining before she transitions to the breeding paddocks.

Her next engagement is set for Saturday in the Brian Beattie Handicap, a 1100-metre race at Flemington.

The mare is then scheduled to participate in two prestigious 'Black Type' races: the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) on July 11, followed by the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) two weeks later. Last year, she achieved second and fourth place finishes respectively in these Caulfield contests.

Jusufovic has confirmed that New York Lustre is already booked to visit the highly successful sprinter Tentyris, a multiple Group 1 winner, for the upcoming breeding season.

The mare has an impeccable record on the Flemington straight course, remaining undefeated across two starts, including her most recent triumph in the Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes (1100m) last spring.

This preparation has seen Jusufovic make two trips to Adelaide. New York Lustre kicked off her campaign with a third place in the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville before securing fourth in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at her last run on May 9.

"She was probably in the wrong part of the track on the inside last time," Jusufovic explained. "There were probably a few hard luck stories, but if there was speed from the gates drawn inside, I think she would have got into a lot more favourable position and not have been hemmed in there on the fence and pushed to the slower going. Group 1 races, you need everything to go your way to win, and in the end, she was only three-quarters-of-a-length off the winner. After Saturday she'll go to the Sir John Monash and the Bletchingly and then she'll go off to stud as she's already booked to go to Tentyris."

Having won six of her sixteen starts, Jusufovic acknowledged that the departure of the nearly seven-year-old mare from his stable would be a poignant moment.

"I think she's still improving actually, and it will be sad to see her retired," Jusufovic commented. "But (owner) Mike Howard is a breeder, and unfortunately for me, the breeding barn beckons. Hopefully, in time, we'll see some of the offspring come through my stable."

As New York Lustre approaches the end of her racing career and prepares for her transition to stud, the betting markets will be keenly watched. Explore the latest racing odds at betting sites.