Trainer Enver Jusufovic has navigated a challenging path with the Group 1 winner Pinstriped throughout the gelding’s career.

Pinstriped has been diagnosed with kissing-spine, a condition requiring careful management.

Currently, Pinstriped is exhibiting good movement, a stark contrast to his trainer who is currently hobbling with a hamstring strain.

Despite his personal issues, Jusufovic has prepared Pinstriped for a tilt at the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday, a race the gelding has secured second place in on two prior occasions.

Mr Brightside bested Pinstriped in the 2023 running, while Gentleman Roy claimed victory over him in 2024.

Last year, Pinstriped finished seventh in the race behind Private Eye.

This year, Jusufovic deviated from his usual preparation for Pinstriped, allowing the gelding a run at Caulfield over Saturday’s distance last month, where he finished fourth behind Coeur Volante.

The trainer from Cranbourne described the run as 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 stated.

“He had 62 kilos, first-up after a long break. I thought his run was definitely a passmark.

“Rather than give him three jump-outs like I normally do and go first-up over 1400 metres, I thought this was a good time to give him a start in restricted class and see how he performed.

“The pace was moderate as he usually needs a good tempo like when he won the Memsie he had Pride Of Jenni leading.

“That’s advantageous for him, but it was a good starting point for him and importantly he came through it well.”

Following that outing at Caulfield, Pinstriped spent a week in the paddock. Since his return to the stable, he has been subjected to a different training regimen compared to past successful methods.

“I’m working him differently this time, more like a sprinter, I suppose, but he’s got the tank to run out the mile, so I guess it’s just a matter of keeping him interested and competitive,” Jusufovic explained.

“It can become mundane doing the same work, day-in, day-out, so you try different things in their work environment to keep them happy and interested.

“He seems to be over his back ailment and spends more time in the stable environment these days, rather than having to go out to the paddock and then pick him up again.”

Jusufovic indicated that Saturday’s performance would guide their future plans, though he acknowledged the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), a race Pinstriped won in 2024, is expected to be a highly contested affair this year on August 29.

“We’ll work it all out which way we go after Saturday,” Jusufovic commented.

“There are plenty of options.”

Pinstriped is a noted performer over the 1400m distance, and Saturday’s PB Lawrence Stakes presents a prime opportunity for him to reclaim top form. Punters can explore the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.