Jigsaw has ticked another box for trainer Cindy Alderson with his comfortable victory in the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The win in Saturday’s Group 2 weight-for-age race over 1200m was Jigsaw’s fourth in succession leaving the four-year-old unbeaten in his current preparation.
Sent out the $3.10 favourite under Daniel Moor, Jigsaw led throughout in scoring a 2-½ length win from Turaath ($4.60) with Calypso Reign ($7) a further 1-½ lengths away third.
After a first-up win at Cranbourne in November, Jigsaw followed up with Listed race wins over 1000m at Caulfield and then over 1100m at Sandown on Boxing Day.
But heading to the Australia Stakes was a different proposition for Jigsaw and Alderson with the gelding tackling weight-for-age.
“I’m incredibly proud of the horse,” Alderson said.
“The horse has put four-in-a-row together now which is a phenomenal effort and he’s racing so well.
“He relaxes and was still strong to the line today and he wasn’t lying down.”
Alderson said Jigsaw had always shown ability and was a dual winner at 1200m prior to his latest success, however he lost his way as a late three-year-old.
The trainer said Jigsaw had not changed a lot at home, but now has a lot more confidence.
“He believes he is a good horse, and he is racing like a good horse,” Alderson said.
Alderson said a start in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Sandown on February 25 would be considered along with the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in March.
“The Oakleigh Plate, it’s something to consider,” Alderson said.
“He was very strong today but there are some nice races coming up.
“There is the William Reid here over 1200 metres now that he has proven himself at The Valley, and that is something that will come under consideration also.”
Moor said he had no concerns with Jigsaw handling a solid 1200m and the gelding was strong winning over 1100m at Sandown.
He said making one of his dangers Snapper work on his outside was also key in helping land the prize.
“I know it’s a bit cheeky, but I wanted to make Jye (McNeil) work and not take the box seat and that worked to our advantage today,” Moor said.
“Jye’s a great jockey and these small fields get technical. It’s not something I like doing but getting the opportunity to poke up there and make a rival work, I had to do it.
“He’s come of age this horse. He’s so mature and when you ask him to drop the bridle, he does it beautifully.”
