Sprinter Jigsaw continued his resurgence with a commanding win at Moonee Valley, booking a spot in next month’s $1 million The Meteorite at Cranbourne.

Trained by Cindy Alderson, the six-year-old son of Manhattan Rain made it two on the trot by leading all the way in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) under apprentice jockey Logan Bates.

After claiming the Apache Cat Classic (1200m) at Cranbourne earlier this month, Jigsaw once again showed his blistering speed when left alone in front following the late scratching of Tropicus.

Sent out a $19 chance, he held off Klabel ($26) by 1¾ lengths with Bridal Waltz ($5.50) a close third, giving Bates his biggest career victory.

“I only came here to get that ticket,” Alderson said with a smile.

“He’s always been a funny little horse. He always has his seasons and I did ride him before he won at Cranbourne and I thought I have not felt this horse like this ever.

“Normally I wouldn’t back him up, but (luckily) I did today.”

Alderson was full of praise for her apprentice, who had already ridden a provincial winner at Yarra Valley earlier in the day before heading to Moonee Valley.

“It has been a bit like Jigsaw, there have been a few blockages in the way, but we’ve got there now and he’s a great kid,” Alderson said.

“He’s not a kid, he’s a man, and I’m so proud of him.

“To come here while still claiming on such a big day, and to just nail it like that and have the confidence in himself, I’m so impressed with him and the horse.”

Bates said Jigsaw’s confidence and rhythm made all the difference in the run.

“That’s when you know he’s loving his work,” Bates said.

“I thought he’d be pretty hard to beat off the corner when I gave him a little click up and he surged up underneath me.”

“I’ve only been riding a tick over two years and to knock over a Group 2 so early in my career is incredible,” he added.

Backers looking to follow Jigsaw into the The Meteorite can compare the latest odds via trusted Australian betting sites including Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.