Trainer Cindy Alderson hopes to learn a bit more about Jigsaw after he breaks new ground at The Valley.

Jigsaw runs for the first time at 1000m when he lines up in the Mia Kleer Hand Sanitiser Handicap on Saturday.

A veteran of four starts, Jigsaw had been racing over 1100m and 1200m in his previous outings, and is coming back in trip following a first-up win at Caulfield five weeks ago.

But Alderson is unfazed, just hoping that he is fast enough to win in the first race back at The Valley since mid-March.

Saturday’s assignment will determine the path for Jigsaw further into the spring.

Alderson has picked out Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 14 or the Group 3 H D F McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield two weeks later for the son of Manhattan Rain’s next assignment.

“After that we’ll make a decision on whether we head up in trip, or stay around sprint distances,” Alderson said.

“My thoughts at this stage are not going up beyond 1400 metres.

“I think looking at him, while he’s carrying plenty of condition, he just doesn’t look as furnished as he did as a two-year-old.

“He hasn’t grown taller, he’s grown longer and he looks like he’s got more to come, so I think if I don’t over-tax him too much, he should enjoy the rest of the spring and go from there.”

Alderson has been patient with Jigsaw who was tipped out after a three-run autumn campaign in which he finished midfield in the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.

“He enjoys being in work and he’s enjoying the training,” Alderson said.

“He’s a nice horse to train. He eats well, his blood picture generally speaking is good so it’s a good opportunity for him to head back to the races on Saturday.”

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au