Jigsaw to chasing a second Apache Cat Classic
Jigsaw will line up for his third run at the Cranbourne Cup meeting when he looks to go back-to-back in the Apache Cat Classic.
The Cindy Alderson-trained sprinter finished last on a very wet Cranbourne track on as a three-year-old in 2021 before taking out the Apache Cat Classic (1000m) last year.
It will be a tougher test for Jigsaw on Saturday as he rises 7kg on the weight he carried 12 months ago.
But Alderson believes Jigsaw has turned the corner in his preparation after producing a ‘pass mark’ first-up at Flemington before disappointing both trainer and jockey Daniel Moor with his effort when fifth in the Manikato Stakes behind Imperatriz at Moonee Valley on October 28.
“I know that Imperatriz is amazing, but he gave it away pretty quickly and I would have been happy if he finished three lengths closer, but he didn’t,” Alderson said.
A gallop on the Cranbourne racetrack had Alderson content that Jigsaw is ready to ready to return to form come Saturday.
“I was really pleased with him this morning,” Alderson said.
“He showed that he has really come on since he ran in that strong race at The Valley, and he’s probably better suited back in grade.
“He’s got a bit of weight to carry, but he’s probably earned it by winning five races last prep.”
The Apache Cat Classic last year kick-started Jigsaw’s campaign that took him through to winning three Listed races along with the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley.
“The horse had a really amazing preparation last time and was in races that worked to his advantage with barriers,” Alderson said.
“You could not have wished for a better preparation when down in weight, but now he has to pay the price for that.”
Jigsaw is topweight with 61kg on Saturday, but he is dropping from weight-for-age company to handicap conditions on Saturday.
“Being up against better class horses and having to carry weight has made a difference, but hopefully the drop down in class will help him a lot,” Alderson said.
“Hopefully he can go back-to-back on Saturday, and we’ll all be happy.”
With Moor, who has ridden Jigsaw in his last seven starts, Perth bound to ride Forgot You in the Group 1 Railway Stakes, Jamie Mott takes the ride on Saturday.
More Racing News
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...
General Salute set for Winter Challenge under favourable wet conditions
The arrival of overnight rain has alleviated Sterling Alexiou's primary concern regarding General Salute's prospects in the final black-type race of the Sydney season, following his recent victory in the Winter Stakes.All four of the gelding's previous wins have been recorded on rain-affected tracks. Earlier in the week, with Rosehill...
Burning Heartz set for Adelaide Stakes test
Trainer Gavin Bedggood envisions a future for Burning Heartz in an Oaks race, but his immediate goal is to secure some valuable Stakes black type for the filly.Burning Heartz, a winner on debut at Sandown on July 1, is now heading to Adelaide to contest the Group 3 South Australian...
King Pedro defies odds in thrilling Grafton Cup victory
King Pedro has cemented his credentials for the spring staying races following an exceptional display to win the Listed Grafton Cup, navigating a slow-paced affair.Trainer Tom Charlton, observing from his Sydney base, admitted to initial apprehension regarding the track's bias against backmarkers. These nerves were amplified when Tahlia Fenlon, on...