Trainer Enver Jusufovic is starting to see the rewards of patience with New York Lustre, who lines up for just her tenth start in Saturday’s Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

Set to turn six, the mare didn’t debut until December 2023 at Stony Creek but has since chalked up five wins and continues to improve.

“I think sometimes we can judge these horses too early,” Jusufovic said.

“She’s only lightly raced… she’s thriving off that.”

New York Lustre was second to In Flight in the Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) earlier this month, and her campaign has been carefully managed.

A setback in May, when scratched at the gates in the Proud Miss Stakes, delayed her program, but she’s now nearing peak condition after a solid gallop on Tuesday.

With Jamie Mott again in the saddle, Jusufovic believes she’s ready to run a strong race.

Given mares like Bella Nipotina are peaking later in life, Jusufovic says New York Lustre may postpone her planned retirement.

“She was going to go to the breeding barn,” he said.

“But Jamie’s of the opinion there is more upside, and I believe there’s more in store too.”