Alderson’s big leap for a new career piece with Jigsaw | Just horse racing

Winning form of late has inspired Cranbourne-based trainer Cindy Alderson to take a big step towards taking her first top-level win with Jigsaw, who takes on the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Alderson, who trained with her father Colin before 2016, will set a milestone with her first runner outside Australia, so the decision to travel with the seven-year-old gelding was not taken lightly.

With the opportunity presenting itself in New Zealand, Alderson is hopeful Jigsaw can build on his three wins in his past three starts, most recently the AU$1 million The Meteorite (1200m) on her home track in November.

“There has been a lot of rain,” Alderson noted, but this is expected to taper off on race day as Jigsaw’s best performances are often seen when things get firmer.

“He traveled very well and lost about seven kilos (about 15.5 pounds) during the trip, but he probably had that left as he had put on a bit of weight after The Meteorite.

“He is smart and cheerful and he worked very well at Ellerslie on Tuesday morning.”

Alderson noted that Jigsaw’s good form towards the end of 2025 inspired New Zealand’s target and also as an opportunity for the horse to achieve a group win.

“We had a fantastic run and after he won the (Listed) McEwan Stakes in October I had this race booked for him as it got him back up the weight scale and after winning The Meteorite we were even more confident and positive to give it a go.”

Jigsaw will be ridden by regular jockey Logan Bates, who has not yet achieved a group victory himself.

Bates, who will make his riding debut in Victoria in 2023, rode two winners at Flemington last Saturday and also rode a winning double on his only other trip to New Zealand last November.

*Existing customers only. 2nd racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Responsible gambling.