Jockey Daniel Moor has established a good relationship with sprinter Jigsaw but knows tougher times are ahead for the pair.
After a summer-autumn campaign that netted the Cindy Alderson-trained Jigsaw five wins from six starts, Jigsaw returns for a spring preparation in the Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Moor began his association with Jigsaw at Caulfield last November after the sprinter had won first-up Caulfield and the pair went on to win the Doveton Stakes at Caulfield followed by wins in the Christmas Stakes at Sandown, the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley and the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington.
The one blemish was in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley where Jigsaw was checked late in the race before finishing tenth behind Imperatriz.
Moor has been riding Jigsaw in his work and in jump-outs ahead of Saturday’s return.
“We’re looking for him in this race to be kicking off on a positive note,” Moor said.
“He’s had one go down the straight before as a younger horse and he wasn’t the furnished article then, so we’re hopeful that he will be able to pace himself and run well first-up, but these races aren’t going to get any easier as we get deeper into the spring.”
Moor said there was a number of different options for Jigsaw following Saturday’s, but first they want to assess how the sprinter has returned.
He said Jigsaw was showing all the right signs in his work and jump-outs, but race day, and being up in the weights, will tell the story.
“He was nominated for the Moir Stakes last week and I think Cindy felt another week would help him,” Moor said.
“He’s starting to lose his winter coat and is coming into condition. This is a much softer option as he would have had a taxing run in the Moir if he had of run.
“He has to have a faultless preparation this time to figure in those good races because he’s gone to another level ratings wise and he has to have everything spot on.”
After mixed form as a younger galloper, Moor said Jigsaw had matured into a lovely horse while also having quirks.
“A couple of other riders have jumped on him for trials and trackwork and you can get into a bit of an argument with him, but I tend let him do his own thing,” Moor said.
“Once he jumps out of the barriers, he’s beautiful, so he’s making my job easier.”