A midweek jump-out at Caulfield Heath will determine whether Jigsaw presses on towards a lucrative New Zealand assignment.

The Cindy Alderson-trained sprinter will stretch his legs on Wednesday as connections consider a tilt at the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 24.

Jigsaw has not raced since his impressive win in The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne on November 22, extending his winning streak to three after earlier victories at Cranbourne and Moonee Valley.

Apprentice Logan Bates, who has ridden the gelding in each of those wins, said Wednesday’s hit-out was part of a carefully planned preparation.

“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.”

Jigsaw missed a scheduled Cranbourne jump-out on Monday, with the Caulfield Heath session chosen as a better option.

Bates credited the sprinter with delivering key milestones in his riding career, including his biggest career win in The Meteorite.

The partnership also delivered Bates his first Stakes success earlier this spring when Jigsaw claimed the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

If the Railway Stakes campaign proceeds, Bates is hopeful of retaining the ride and travelling to New Zealand once again.

“I’ll definitely be going, unless the boss says otherwise, but at this stage, if I behave myself, I’ll be going,” Bates said.

The apprentice gained international experience last month during New Zealand Cup week at Riccarton, where he rode alongside his mother Kylie Williams.

With further opportunities looming at the Magic Millions Carnival, Bates could be set for a big summer period in the saddle.

Betting markets and form analysis for Jigsaw’s next target are available via the Australian betting sites list.