Cindy Alderson and Daniel Moor have combined with Jigsaw to take out the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley, defeating a game Turaath and fast-finishing Calypso Reign.
Daniel Moor urged the Manhattan Rain gelding to take up the lead and make the other speed influence, Snapper, work and ultimately brought upon his downfall, with Snapper fading out of the race on the home turn with 200m to go.
Jigsaw jumped at a $3.10 favourite with online bookmakers and he won like a favourite should, running away with an easy 2.5 length victory, winning his fourth race in a row this campaign.
2023 Australia Stakes Replay – Jigsaw
Cindy Alderson spoke with Racing.com after her star gelding's impressive Group 2 victory.
“I'm incredibly proud of the horse,” Alderson said.
“It's a very special win… the horse has put four in a row together now, which is a phenomenal effort by him.
“He's just racing so well, relaxing and switching off and he was still strong to the line today.
“He's really confident in himself, and he believes in himself. He believes he's a good horse and he's racing like a good horse.”
Alderson was then asked if the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate was next.
“It's something to consider anyway as he was very strong today, but there's some nice option coming up and probably the race we hoped was the William Reid over 1200 (metres), now that he is proven over 1200 (metres) at The Valley we'll give that some consideration.”
Alderson didn't say no to the Oakleigh Plate, but there are other options on the table in the coming months.
Daniel Moor echoed similar thoughts about the Oakleigh Plate in his post-race interview.
“I've got, and the team, have got good faith that this horse sees out a strong six furlongs (1200 metres) and he's won over the trip,” Moor said.
“I wanted to make Jye (McNeil) work.
“It's a bit cheeky and not something I normally do, but I didn't want the boxseat and I wanted Jye to work, so it worked out to our advantage today.
“He's come of age this horse and he's matured so much.
“The Oakleigh Plate's not the be all and end all, but I'll let the trainer and owner work that out.”
Jigsaw is a $17 chance in the 2023 Oakleigh Plate futures market with online betting sites.