Jusufovic's sweet Flemington double
Enver Jusufovic's connection with Flemington goes back to when he was a paperboy so it was fitting the revered track was the scene for his greatest moment in racing, which came via a winning double on Saturday.
The popular horseman prepared Vongole to score a blowout win in the $150,000 3AW Sprint (1100m) and 40 minutes later saw stable star Pinstriped win the $150,000 Winter Championship Trophy (1600m).
Jusufovic trains out of Cranbourne, but grew up close to Flemington and took great satisfaction out of his running double.
"I'm born and bred in Footscray here, so not too far away, and as a kid sold Heralds up there on the hill," Jusufovic said.
"So, to be here today and train a double, it's surreal."
Pinstriped made it back-to-back wins, having not started since his win in the $250,000 VOBIS Gold Mile at Sandown on April 15, when he swept to a two-length win over Beehunter ($31), who edged out Riddle Me That ($13) for second.
They are Pinstriped's only wins since making it three from three to start his career in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes in February last year.
"I've had to turn things around with this horse and build him right up and just make him that little bit more comfortable with raceday procedures," Jusufovic said.
"He's just in a good space at the moment and I think we'll see a nice horse in the spring."
While Pinstriped was the $2.80 favourite, Vongole was sent out a $51 chance in his event and proved strongest at the finish, scoring by half-a-length from $3.10 favourite Renosu, who got second on protest over Fasuto ($11).
Jusufovic, who is the majority shareholder in Vongole, said it was special that those two horses provided him with his Flemington milestone.
"Vongole goes everywhere he (Pinstriped) goes, whether Vongole is nominated to race or not," he said.
"He just seems to be a very good companion for him and, owning 70 percent of Vongole, I can do whatever I want with him."
Pinstriped and Vongole were both ridden to victory by Ben Allen.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...
Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer
Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...









