Cindy Alderson’s stable star Jigsaw dominated yet another summer sprint race from the front, comfortably winning Saturday’s $350,000 Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.

Market rival Snapper ($3.70) led through the early stages, almost crossing down to the inside rail, only for Daniel Moor to drive Jigsaw ($3.10 favourite) underneath, retain his rightful running on the fence and obtain the lead.

From that position, the four-year-old Manhattan Rain gelding was never headed, striding clear to win by 2.5 lengths, adding the Australia Stakes to Listed victories earlier this campaign in the Doveton Stakes (1000m) and Christmas Stakes (1100m).

“He (Jigsaw) has always had plenty of ability, nothing has changed at home, but what he has done is got really confident in himself; he believes in himself,” Alderson said.

Turaath ($4.60) relished the fast early pace but peaked on his effort late for second, with Calypso Reign ($7) a further 1.5 lengths away in third.

Last-start G3 Standish Handicap (1200m) winner Snapper faded into fourth, beaten 6.25 lengths by the winner, with rider Jye McNeil convinced the gelding didn’t perform to his best.

Moor indicated winning the tactical battle with Jigsaw, holding out Snapper inside the first 200 metres was essential in earning victory.

“Races of small fields get technical. I wanted to make Jye (McNeil) work and it was a bit cheeky (to drive through),” Moor said.

“It’s not something I normally do, I didn’t want the box seat, I wanted Jye to work, and it worked out to our advantage today.

“I’ve got really good faith in the fact this horse runs six furlongs, he’s won over the trip and you can over-analyse it all you want; he runs the trip.”

Alderson remains unsure of Jigsaw’s forthcoming schedule, but Group 1 options, the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Sandown on February 25 and William Reid Stakes (1200m) on March 24, appear logical future assignments.

“It’s something to consider (the Oakleigh Plate), he was very strong today,” Alderson said. “There’s nice options coming up here, including the William Reid Stakes over 1200m. Now that he’s proven around Moonee Valley, we’ll give that race consideration.”

 

Story Credit: Carl Di lorio https://www.racing.com/news/2023-01-28/news-review-jigsaw-pieces-together-stakes-win?fbclid=IwAR0OYRM7ESa2xH7_VGDVB4JmaOAUO2e7uwSc75DPDT-z91iNnpVRxW926ok&mibextid=Zxz2cZ