Pinstriped set for Group 1 return at Caulfield after solid Cranbourne trial

Trainer Enver Jusufovic is feeling optimistic about Pinstriped’s upcoming Group 1 return at Caulfield following a strong showing in a recent Cranbourne barrier trial.

The gelding is entered for the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) this Saturday, one of 13 horses vying for the prestigious race. The field includes top competitors such as Angel Capital, Another Wil, Just Folk, Mr Brightside, Schwarz, and Southport Tycoon.

Nominations for the first Group 1 race of 2025 have been extended until 10am on Tuesday.

Although Pinstriped finished in fifth place in Monday’s 800m trial, jockey Ben Allen kept the gelding going past the line to ensure he did some additional work. Jusufovic had originally considered a 1000m trial but opted for the 800m trial, noting the stronger pace that better suited the gelding’s needs.

“I had him nominated in a 1000-metre trial as well,” Jusufovic said. “I procrastinated and they rang me to say they would have had to divide the 1000-metre trial and have only five or six runners in both. With the stronger tempo in the 800-metre trial, I prefer that sometimes, as over 1000 metres they sometimes jump and hold up all-the-way.”

Pinstriped delivered Jusufovic’s first Group 1 win in August, when he triumphed over Mr Brightside in the Memsie Stakes at the same course and distance as Saturday’s race.

The trainer is confident that Pinstriped will be fit and ready for his return. “I’ve had to get the weight off him this campaign as all his life I’ve been trying to put weight on him,” Jusufovic explained. “I’m happy with his body, he’s got the mindset, and he does perform well fresh.”

Looking ahead, Jusufovic acknowledged the strength of the competition but expressed confidence in his horse. “We’re up against the usual culprits and they’re outstanding horses but I’m happy with where I’ve got him. He seems to go well at Caulfield. You would think a big striding horse like him would perform better on a bigger track, but he has got an affinity for Caulfield. Hopefully, we can draw a good barrier.”

Ben Allen, who partnered with Pinstriped in Monday’s trial, will ride the gelding on Saturday. This will be the first time Allen has ridden Pinstriped since his last race, a sixth-place finish in the Cranbourne Cup in November.

Depending on Pinstriped’s performance on Saturday, Jusufovic plans to target the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 22 and the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington two weeks later. After these assignments, a possible spell before the next spring campaign could be on the cards.

“We may then look to give him a spell before another spring campaign,” Jusufovic said.

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