Local hero Jigsaw proved too sharp for his rivals, taking out the second running of The Meteorite at Cranbourne in decisive fashion.
The $1 million 1200m slot race saw the Cindy Alderson-trained sprinter adopt his customary on-speed role, delivering victory for the Moonee Valley Racing Club’s slot.
Jigsaw earned that berth thanks to his win in the McEwen Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate Day.
Under apprentice Logan Bates, Jigsaw ($6) kept finding, defeating Arkansaw Kid ($6.50) by three-quarters of a length, with Zou Sensation ($6.50) finishing another 1¼ lengths behind.
Alderson was surrounded by family — including her father Colin, mother Lyn and her sister — as she celebrated the emotional victory.
“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 hit a rich vein of form this campaign, notching a hat-trick of wins.
Alderson said a long, constructive break earlier in the year was key to his resurgence.
“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.”
Southside Racing will roll out another $1 million slot race next month — the Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham.
Alderson, however, ruled Jigsaw out of contention.
“We did try that once before. I think we’ll stay in our wheelhouse from now on,” she said.
Bates, who has formed a strong partnership with the gelding this campaign, praised the horse’s resilience.
“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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