A return to his home track has paid handsome dividends for the Cindy Alderson-trained Jigsaw who claimed his second Apache Cat Classic (1200m) at Southside Cranbourne on Friday night.
Jigsaw last ran at Cranbourne in November 2022, winning his first Apache Cat Classic by three lengths.
It began a supreme run of form; winning five of six races that would see his rating rise from 76 to a career-high 106.
While the consecutive run of victories was great for the bank balance, they pushed Jigsaw into the upper-echelon of Victorian sprinters; meaning group and listed races were the only fare on offer.
Hot competition, and the burden of heavy weights, saw the now seven-year-old gelding go winless at his subsequent 12 starts.
The son of Manhattan Rain/Demandz was sent out an $11 chance on Friday night; chasing his first victory since April 2023.
Apprentice jockey Logan Bates hunted Jigsaw out from barrier four, taking the lead and setting a steady tempo.
Jigsaw kicked for home on the turn, but looked a sitting duck as race-favourite – the Gavin Bedggood-trained Hedged ($2.60) – loomed up with 100 metres to run.
But Jigsaw dug deep, giving trainer Alderson a huge thrill; on the same track where she learnt her craft from her father Colin.
Jigsaw won by a nose on the line, with Hedged second, and Klabel two lengths away in third.
Alderson said she could sense that Jigsaw was primed for an improved run.
“I actually rode him down the beach on Wednesday, and I normally love riding him, but I felt like I was sitting on a volcano,” a beaming Alderson enthused post-race.
“I thought, ‘we’ll get out of the water and we’ll go to the races’.”
Alderson said it was great to see Jigsaw back in winning form.
“He had a plain campaign last time around, and he paid the price for winning so many races,” she said.
“It’s fantastic, but his rating got too high and he’s just been in the wilderness for a little while.
“But this time around he has felt amazing and he’s really bright in the coat.
“The key to him is just keeping him happy, and keeping him doing what he likes.
“He just gave me the vibes; and full credit to Logan, what a fabulous ride.”
In Friday night’s other feature, star jockey Jamie Melham piloted the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Brave Miss to a dominant victory in the $100,000 Pinker Pinker Plate (2025m).
Melham stalked race-leader Saxon Beauty for a large portion of the race, before taking control with a furlong left to run and racing clear for a two-length triumph.
Jockey Beau Mertens took riding honours on the night; scoring a winning treble.
