Jigsaw piecing it together ahead of Australia Stakes

[Wandering Eyes]

Cindy Alderson believes Jigsaw has come a long way mentally after winning three consecutive races heading into the $350,000 Australia Stakes at The Valley on Saturday. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)

Like a good Formula One driver, Jigsaw knows how to piece together a good surge to the finish line, according to trainer Cindy Alderson heading into Saturday’s Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The four-year-old gelding will go into the Group 2 feature over 1200m as the $3.20 favourite across online betting sites after winning his past three starts.

Alderson continually raised the bar for him, and he kept answering the call through November and December during his hat-trick of triumphs.

He will need to do that again on Saturday, with his past three consecutive victories coming in the Apache Cat Classic, Doveton Stakes and Christmas Stakes.

But also like two-time reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen, Jigsaw loves a challenge.

Saturday’s assignment in a race worth $350,000 looms as the biggest test so far for the sprinter with seven career wins from 18 starts.

“Most sprinters who sit on the speed, they rev a bit high,” Alderson told HorseBetting.com.au.

“He doesn’t appear to be revving high, and jockeys are saying that.

“He’s using his speed well without over-using it.

“It’s a bit like Formula 1 cars – you can burn a fair bit of fuel going at that speed.

“If they’re over-revving then they burn more fuel.

“He seems to just be keeping it in the idle stages early on, and that leaves him plenty to kick home with.”

If Jigsaw can step up and perform well again, Alderson would like to aim him at the Group 1 William Reid Stakes also over 1200m at The Valley on March 24.

“That’s the plan at this stage. But plans can change,” Alderson said.

“I’d like to see if he’s effective there over 1200m in better company before I commit to that race.

“Saturday’s race will tell us a lot more about which way we’re heading from here.”

Alderson believes the fact Jigsaw has put it all together mentally – combined with some ideal conditions – have helped him find the form he is currently in.

His past three straight victories have all been on Good tracks.

Moonee Valley was rated a Soft 5 on Thursday, but fine weather leading up to and on Saturday are forecast for Melbourne.

“Dry tracks, maturity and probably even being gelded,” Alderson said when asked what was the secret to Jigsaw solving his consistency issues of the past.

“It’s all three combined because the talent has always been there.

“But it’s been an issue getting him to be consistent.

“He seems to be relaxing throughout his race.”

Alderson also said with Jigsaw’s winning form he has developed a winning mindset.

“He’s very confident in himself and his abilities. That certainly makes for a happy horse who seems to give his all in his races,” she said.

“That’s probably why he’s got the picket fence next to his name.”

Alderson said it was no fluke that Daniel Moor had built a strong connection with Jigsaw after guiding him to his past two wins – both at Listed level.

“I appreciate the fact Daniel has been prepared to come down and do some important gallops and trials on him,” the Cranbourne-based conditioner said.

“He lives at Moonee Ponds, so it’s a long trip for him.

“He’s committed. It’s hard to find people who commit to that level.

“It’s great to have him on board and let’s hope the success continues.

“I probably wouldn’t have imagined myself sitting in this position (with Jigsaw) a year ago, but I’m certainly happy to be here.”

Alderson said Jigsaw drawing barrier two would help him against the likes of other horses to watch, including Snapper ($4.60), Calypso Reign ($8.50) and Turaath ($5.50).

Ironclad ($11) and Beau Rossa ($8) have been very good competitors for Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea, but they are dual-acceptors.

“I’m glad we drew inside Snapper (five). But they’re all classy horses,” Alderson said.

“I also think Turaath is a very under-rated mare.

“Mares are funny – they can have a season. She was very effective in the autumn of her first campaign (in Australia in 2021) and not as effective in the spring.

“But sometimes mares have certain times of the year where they race extremely well, and she might be an autumn mare.”

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