Trainer and jockey quotes following the Group 2 Cirka McEwen Stakes won by Jigsaw at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Jigsaw (C Alderson/L Bates) - $19
2nd: Klabel (R&C Jolly/M Zahra) - $26
3rd: Bridal Waltz (P Moody, K Coleman/L Nolen) - $5.50
Winning Time: 1:09.91 Last 600m: NA
Margins: 1-¾ lengths x Head
McEwen Stakes | Jigsaw
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 25, 2025
Jigsaw pounds them into the turf! He's back to his absolute best, winning the McEwen Stakes comfortably in the end
Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/qeP0zvC67U
Winning Trainer: Cindy Alderson
Ticket into The Meteorite: "I only came here to get this ticket.
"I couldn't be prouder of the horse. Logan, Melissa and Hannah, his track rider got out of hospital on Thursday to come to the races.
"It is a very special day.
The horse: "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 I did."
On Logan Bates: "I think you all know Logan is my apprentice. 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. He's not a kid, he's a man, and I'm so proud of him.
"Great ride by Logan again. 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.
"It is really special that the horse has won on such a special day."
Winning Jockey: Logan Bates
"It is so special to do it for Cindy and the Alderson family, and on this horse. When he's right, he's unbelievable and very quick.
"It did surprise me. I copped that early pressure and it did go away fairly quickly.
"When he had his earls pricked down the side, that's when you know he's loving his work and 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.
"It is just amazing. It is good to see the horse back in this sort of form and for Cindy.
First G2: "Hasn't sunk in yet but it is pretty amazing to do and on Cox Plate Day. I've only been riding a tick over two years and to knock over a group two so early in my career is incredible."
