Daniel Moor has Flemington straight query with Jigsaw but will be happy to be proven wrong

Jigsaw went on a winning spree as a gelding last prep and Daniel Moor is expecting more of the same this spring if the sprinter can handle the Flemington straight.

Jigsaw won five of six starts last prep, including the Group 2 Australia Stakes with Daniel Moor aboard. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Jockey Daniel Moor wants Jigsaw to prove him wrong on Saturday in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

Jigsaw, the $4.60 second favourite with TAB, has only raced down the straight once before, two years ago as a colt, when fifth in the Poseidon Stakes, beaten 2½ lengths.

Since being gelded last year, Jigsaw, expertly placed by trainer Cindy Alderson, has won seven of 11 starts – all around bends – including five of six last campaign.

Moor, who banked four wins, three Listed races and the Group 2 Australia Stakes, in five starts on Jigsaw, said the talented sprinter has picked up where he left off last season.

“We had him nominated for (Group 1) Moir (Stakes) last week and decided to bypass that, it was a hot race first-up and we thought it might knock him around a bit,” Moor said.

“This race looks a bit more suitable to kick-off, he’s had a go down the straight before but that was as a younger horse, when he wasn’t as furnished and mature.

“He’s definitely doing everything as we’d like, which is the main thing with him, he’s settled in his work and he only improves in his work when we ask him to, which is a good positive.

“Cindy placed him really well last preparation, he’s paying for that a little bit with his rating … in the back of my mind I’m thinking he’s better around a bend, but I’d like him to prove me wrong on Saturday.”

Jigsaw has had one start down the Flemington straight for an unplaced result. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Flemington straight specialist Star Patrol, the $2.40 favourite, dominates the market from Jigsaw, C’est Magique ($6) and Triple Missile ($8.50).

Moor has six rides on Saturday including Uncle Bryn in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), De Sonic Boom in the Group 2 Edward Manifold (1600m) and Mostly Cloudy in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m).

Uncle Bryn, who rebounded after two lacklustre runs to win the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes last start, is rated a $26 chance in the Turnbull Stakes.

“It’s a very competitive Group 1 this race, often used as a lead-up for the Caulfield Cup, it’s a whole different side to it this year with Romantic Warrior,” Moor said.

“I was lucky enough to see in the flesh a few times in Hong Kong … and even though he’s had his ‘issues’ with feed, I’m still very, very wary of his form.

“There’s a lot of horses going well towards bigger things in the preparation, Soulcombe looks to get back to a track that will suit, great gate, great jockey.

“It’s a really, really deep edition of the Turnbull, as long as we can switch off and be getting the right run we might be able to follow Soulcombe through, as long as we switch off and steaming to the line late I’ll be really pleased.”

Originally published as Daniel Moor has Flemington straight query with Jigsaw but will be happy to be proven wrong