Jigsaw’s trip to New Zealand is a goer with trainer Cindy Alderson confirming her stable star will tackle the G1 Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie later this month.
The Supernova winner has pleased his trainer in two jump-outs since his last-start win and will fly to Auckland on the 17th of January.
Alderson confirmed that apprentice Logan Bates will continue his association with the horse, with both trainer and jockey chasing a maiden G1 win.
“That is the plan,” Alderson said.
“He’s ready to go, he had a trial at Caulfield on the 24th of December and then he had another one last Monday.”
“He’s had a few reverse gallops and he’s also raced in Brisbane back in 2024 and he seems to be fine going that way.”
“I don’t expect the travel will pose any problems, he’s a seven-year-old now and I think he will probably enjoy something different.”
“It’s a Group 1 race – Arkansas Kid is going over so he’s going to be good testing material and Alabama Lass is a quality mare and is going well.”
“It’s not going to be a walk in the park but he’s had a phenomenal preparation this time and arguably he’s in career best form so if he is ever going to have another crack at a Group 1, this is it.”
A Stakes performer as a two-year-old in early 2021, Jigsaw has continued to race consistently each season but Alderson believes as a seasoned seven-year-old, the homebred son of Manhattan Rain is in career best form.
His strong form has coincided with Bates’ association with the gelding, which has yielded three wins from four rides.
“The horse appears to be more settled mid race which has enabled him to have that stronger kick at the end,” she said.
“Logan seems to really understand that with him, they’ve formed a really good relationship.”
