Jigsaw saved for Gilgai Stakes

Friday, 29 September 2023 | Trainer Cindy Alderson has decided to wait a week before launching the spring campaign of her speed-machine Jigsaw.

The exciting son of Geisel Park sire Manhattan Rain was the most improved sprinter in Victoria last season winning five of his six starts with a sole loss coming in the G1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in March.

Jigsaw (pictured with Alderson) was nominated for another Group 1 crack at The Valley in the Moir Stakes (1200m) tonight, however, he’s been held over for the G2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington next Saturday, October 7.

“He has come on physically since the autumn but his coat isn’t quite there yet,” Alderson revealed on Wednesday.  “He has strengthened and we’ve been mixing his work down at the beach.”

Jigsaw (5g Manhattan Rain – Demandz by Lonhro) broke the Cranbourne 1000m course-record (57.24s) in the Apache Cat Classic in November and followed up with on-pace victories in the LR Doveton Stakes at Caulfield, LR Christmas Stakes at Sandown, G2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley and LR Hareeba Stakes at Mornington in April.

Alderson believes he’s more suited accelerating off bends than racing down the straight, nevertheless, she will delay his return by a week.  His only outing down the straight-six to date was an unplaced run in the LR Poseidon Stakes (1200m) in September 2021.

A step-up in distance is also likely for Jigsaw this prep and among the options Alderson mentioned is the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.  It’s been moved to a later date this year – Saturday, November 18.

Manhattan Rain’s September strike-rate was headed by New York Hurricane in Australia and Packing Treadmill in Hong Kong.

New York Hurricane won the Briseis Gold Cup (1726m) at Geelong for trainer Liam Howley and jockey Jason Maskiell.  “It was an awesome result all round,” Howley said.  “It was sponsored by the Briseis Club.  They’re a proud group of locals and it was fantastic to celebrate with them and a very supportive bunch of owners.”

Briseis (Tim Whiffler) won the 1876 Melbourne Cup as a 3yo filly for owner-trainer James Wilson who also operated the famed St. Albans Stud on the Bellarine Peninsula east of Geelong.

“New York Hurricane is tough and has been very consistent this prep,” Howley continued.  “He’s also adaptable winning on a Good 3 to a Heavy 8.  He probably hit the front too early with 60kg today but stuck to his guns for Jason.”

Packing Treadmill won the Foundation Hcp (1200m) first-up at Sha Tin last Sunday for the Exciting Racing Syndicate and trainer Francis Lui.  He took over at the half-mile for Lyle Hewitson and defied running down to improve his record to 6 wins in 15 starts for prizemoney the equivalent of AUD2.32 million.

Manhattan Rain sired Packing Treadmill from former Lindsay Park racemare I’m An Outoftowner (Dane Shadow).  She also has a 2yo filly and a yearling filly by Manhattan Rain.  The 2yo is named Tinamou and she is being trained by Cranbourne-based Julius Sandhu for the Lofty Thoroughbred Group.

Geisel Park stands Manhattan Rain for an $8,250 service fee alongside All American ($4,400) and newcomer Aysar ($8,800).  All fees (inc GST).