Jigsaw solves 2025 The Meteorite puzzle

Jigsaw delivered a polished front-running effort to secure victory in the second edition of The Meteorite at Cranbourne, giving local trainer Cindy Alderson a million-dollar result.

The 1200m slot race, carrying $1 million in prize money, played perfectly to Jigsaw’s strengths as he dictated throughout for the Moonee Valley Racing Club slot.

His place in the field was earned on Cox Plate Day when he won the McEwen Stakes (1200m).

With apprentice Logan Bates aboard, Jigsaw ($6) held off Arkansaw Kid ($6.50) by three-quarters of a length, while Zou Sensation ($6.50) finished a further 1¼ lengths adrift.

Alderson shared the success with her father Colin, mother Lyn and sister, who were all trackside for the occasion.

She emphasised how meaningful the triumph was.

“I can’t really believe it to be honest, especially with everyone around me today,” Alderson said.

“My dad’s here, so is my mum, my sister and her children. It’s a real family affair.

“That’s how we got started in the game. Logan is like family to me, he’s been with me all along and all my staff are like family, so it’s a really proud moment.”

Jigsaw has reinvented himself this preparation, piecing together three straight wins.

Alderson credited the improvement to the long break taken earlier in the year.

“He did have a lovely spell, and I think that got him back in really great shape,” Alderson said.

“He’s enjoying himself, he’s got his confidence right up and he and Logan are the new combination.”

Another major slot race — the $1 million Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham — takes place on December 13.

Alderson said Jigsaw will not contest that distance.

“We did try that once before. I think we’ll stay in our wheelhouse from now on,” she said.

Bates, who has struck up a potent connection with Jigsaw during this preparation, praised the horse’s determination.

“He was made to work a bit early, but I still think we got it soft enough and we were able to ramp it up on the corner,” Bates said.

“He has an unbelievable gallop around the corner and that’s where he breaks them open.

“To the horses’ credit he kept digging and digging when they challenged and held them at bay.

“He pricked his ears coming back, so he was pretty happy.”

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