Jigsaw chases Group 1 prize

Fresh is seen as best for Jigsaw who will be coming off an eight-week break when he runs for the second time in Group 1 company.

As a two-year-old Jigsaw contested the Blue Diamond Stakes, finishing midfield behind Artorius, but a more mature sprinter heads to Moonee Valley on Friday night for the William Reid Stakes (1200m).

Jigsaw has been a revelation this season and will be aiming to stretch his unbeaten run to five after starting his four-year-old year with a win at Cranbourne in November.

He followed up with Listed race wins at Caulfield and Sandown before taking out the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on January 28, his most recent outing.

Trainer Cindy Alderson has shied away from starting Jigsaw again, preferring to give the gelding a couple of jump-outs.

Alderson explained there was no suitable race for Jigsaw between his most recent win and Friday night’s Group 1 contest that carries $1 million in prize money.

“Being such a good horse fresh, we rolled the dice, gave him a couple of trials instead,” Alderson said.

“He’s maintained (his condition) all the way through and fitness wise he’s as good as he needs to be.

“He’s not gone backwards. He’s done enough work and he’s pulled up well from both trials.”

Alderson said ‘wishes do come true sometimes’ when Jigsaw drew barrier five on Friday night which will allow Daniel Moor to track where he wants to go.

“He’s got natural speed, but he doesn’t always have to lead, as long as he gets out of the barriers and gets a good position,” Alderson said.

“I think it will be an interesting race with a lot of different formlines coming together and a biggish field for the calibre of that horse at The Valley.

“It might come down to who gets the best run.

“He might not be the fastest horse in the race, but he’s got a lot of strength at the end and he’s racing with a lot of zest at the moment.”