Alderson to solve Hareeba puzzle with Jigsaw
Trainer Cindy Alderson is wary of the “newer, fresher blood” Jigsaw faces in a bid for backto-back Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington.
Jigsaw is at $8.50 with TAB to win the sprint feature on Saturday behind talented three-year-old Maharba ($5.50), Group 3-winner Grand Impact ($5.50) and locally trained veteran The Inferno ($8).
The Inferno was runner-up last year behind Jigsaw, who led and dictated a nine-horse field.
The Hareeba has attracted 15 entries this year.
“It’s a different race, a different complexion,” Alderson said.
“There’s newer, fresher blood (in the race).
“It makes his job difficult but I was very happy with his last run, and certainly he’s capable.
“There’s a few in it going all right, Maharba goes well, Pintoff is going well, it’s not an easy race.
“Last year he had a field of nine and he pretty much dominated it.”
Jigsaw has not won in his five starts since the Hareeba victory last year, but he has not been all that far from the mark.
The five-year-old frontrunner, who has drawn barrier five on Saturday, finished fifth last start in the Country Discovery at Yarra Valley and was beaten less than a length.
He meets Savannah Cloud ($13) at level weights 60kg this time around, having given the winner 2kg last start.
“He’s in good form and he deserves to carry the weight, because he has won the races – you can’t have your cake and eat it too,” Alderson said.
Jigsaw carried 60kg to victory last year after he rocketed up the ratings with four wins from five preceding starts.
Jigsaw has pleased Alderson and jockey Ethan Brown in work since the race on Good Friday.
“He’s always worked well, he’s never worked poorly this horse,” Alderson said.
“It’s hard to line him up (at home) he’s a bit of a star track worker
“He looks well, Ethan has ridden him a couple times and he thinks he’s going well.
”It will just be the way the race pans out for him on the day.”