Racing
Jigsaw to jump-out at Caulfield Heath
A jump-out is planned for Jigsaw on Christmas Eve at Caulfield Heath.
Jigsaw will press his claims for a potential trip to New Zealand when he has a jump-out at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday.
The Cindy Alderson-trained sprinter is gearing up for a potential tilt at the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 24.
Jigsaw has not been sighted since winning The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne on November 22, the third win in a row for the sprinter after wins at Cranbourne and Moonee Valley.
Apprentice Logan Bates, who has been aboard Jigsaw in his three wins this campaign, believes the gelding is on track for a trip to New Zealand and Wednesday's hit-out is a part of the plan after the sprinter did not line up in a jump-out at Cranbourne on Monday.
"The way he is prepping up, it appears all systems go," Bates said.
"It's nothing too serious, it's more stimulation for him, but the way he's prepping up, it looks like he is going."
Bates is looking forward to reuniting with Jigsaw who provided the jockey with his biggest win when successful in The Meteorite along with his first Stakes success when victorious in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in October.
Should Bates make the trip to partner Jigsaw, it will not be the first time the apprentice has ridden in New Zealand following a trip to the South Island last month that saw Bates ride against his mother Kylie Williams during New Zealand Cup week at Riccarton.
"I'll definitely be going, unless the boss says otherwise, but at this stage, if I behave myself, I'll be going," Bates said.
It could be a big month for Bates who is hopeful of heading north to the Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival and continue his association with Gin A Tonic after his win at Caulfield Heath on Saturday.
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