Jigsaw set for Group 1 Oakleigh Plate

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 | Jigsaw is arguably Australia’s most-improved sprinter and his trainer Cindy Alderson is now considering the ultimate short-course test in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m).

Manhattan Rain’s 4yo speed-machine kicked off his current unbeaten campaign winning the Apache Cat Classic (1000m) in course-record time at Cranbourne in November.  He then reeled off on-pace victories in the LR Doveton Stakes at Caulfield and LR Christmas Stakes at Sandown before running his rivals ragged in the G2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

“I’m incredibly proud of Jigsaw,” Alderson (pictured) said as Daniel Moor brought him back to scale.  “He’s put together four-in-a-row which is a phenomenal effort and he’s racing so well.  He relaxes and was still strong to the line today.  He believes he’s a good horse and he’s racing like a good horse.”

Jigsaw is quoted at $17 for the Oakleigh Plate at Sandown on February 25 and, after Saturday’s win, there’s another Group 1 in the mix at Moonee Valley on March 24 – the William Reid Stakes (1200m) worth a cool $1 million.

His bank has ballooned to $850,000 for a partnership managed by Cindy’s mother Lynn Alderson who bred him from the winning Lonhro mare Demandz.  She is also the dam of LR Tasmanian Oaks runner-up Queen Adele (Adelaide).

Manhattan Rain (Encosta De Lago) covered his first book at Eddie Rigg’s Geisel Park Stud this season serving 65 mares at $8,800 (inc GST).

His Hong Kong 4yo Packing Treadmill was placed in the HK$12 million Classic Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday but there were excuses for only finishing the race off fairly.

“He travelled keener in the run than previously and did not quicken as well as anticipated,” Zac Purton told stewards.  “And he didn’t feel completely comfortable in his action.”

Geisel Park has entered a Manhattan Rain – Miss Matilda yearling filly (Lot 141) for the Perth Magic Millions.  She is the second foal from a winning half-sister to Deja Blue (LR Geelong Rosemont Stud Stakes) and Triple Gold (LR VRC Taj Rossi Series Final).

Agent John Chalmers sourced Miss Matilda (Domesday) on behalf of Geisel Park for $16,000 at the Inglis Broodmare Sale in June 2020.  Her first foal, a 2yo filly by Vinery sire Press Statement, is owned by Mark Bayliss.