Pinstriped aiming for PB Lawrence Stakes redemption

Enver Jusufovic, the trainer of Group 1 victor Pinstriped, has encountered numerous challenges with the gelding throughout his career.

Pinstriped has been diagnosed with kissing-spine, a condition that necessitates meticulous management.

At present, Pinstriped is moving freely, a feat his trainer, who is currently managing a hamstring strain, cannot replicate.

Jusufovic's personal setbacks have not deterred him from preparing Pinstriped for a competitive run in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, a race where the gelding has finished as runner-up twice previously.

Mr Brightside triumphed over Pinstriped in the 2023 edition, and Gentleman Roy proved superior in 2024.

In last year's renewal, Pinstriped secured seventh place, trailing the winner Private Eye.

Departing from his customary preparation this year, Jusufovic gave Pinstriped a run at Caulfield over a similar distance last month, where the gelding finished fourth behind Coeur Volante.

The conditioner based at Cranbourne deemed the performance a "passmark".

"It was encouraging that it was the first time, for a while, that he's really hit the line and gone through the line," Jusufovic reported.

"He carried 62 kilos, returning first-up after a lengthy spell. I felt his effort was certainly a passmark.

"Instead of providing him with three jump-outs as I typically do and then running him first-up over 1400 metres, I decided this was an opportune moment to enter him in a restricted class race and assess his performance.

"The tempo was moderate, and he typically requires a strong pace, much like when he won the Memsie Stakes with Pride Of Jenni setting the speed.

"That scenario is beneficial for him, but this was a solid starting point, and crucially, he recovered well from the run."

Post-Caulfield outing, Pinstriped enjoyed a week in the paddock. Upon his return to the stable, his training regime has undergone a transformation from previous successful methods.

"I'm adjusting his training this time, treating him more like a sprinter, perhaps, but he possesses the stamina for the mile, so it's about maintaining his engagement and competitiveness," Jusufovic explained.

"Engaging in the same routine daily can lead to monotony, so we implement varied training methods to ensure their happiness and continued interest.

"He appears to have recovered from his back issue and is spending more time within the stable environment presently, rather than requiring paddock time followed by retrieval."

Jusufovic stated that Saturday's result would dictate their subsequent choices, though he anticipates the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), a race Pinstriped claimed in 2024, will be a fiercely contested event this year on August 29.

"We will determine our path forward following Saturday's race," Jusufovic remarked.

"Numerous possibilities exist."

The PB Lawrence Stakes represents a significant target for Pinstriped, and his connections are hopeful for a strong showing. Explore the available online bookmakers for betting on the event.