The Eastern States are calling it a “cindy-rella” story after Ladbrokes confirmed it has secured their slot in the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) with the Cindy Alderson-owned and trained sprinter Jigsaw.

The rejuvenated son of Geisel Park sire Manhattan Rain made it six feature-race victories in a row when claiming the Ladbrokes-sponsored $1 million G1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) last time out at Caulfield.

Jigsaw had also claimed the Ladbrokes-sponsored $1 million Cranbourne Meteorite (1200m) on home turf earlier in the startling winning streak.  He also crossed the Tasman to win the G1 Sistema Railway (1200m) in New Zealand and is now favoured to dominate again on the other side of the Nullarbor.

Ladbrokes has Jigsaw heading its market at $3.50 for The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on April 18.  He shares top billing with last-start G1 VRC Newmarket Hcp (1200m) winner Caballus (I Am Invincible).

“It’s a long journey to Perth but Jigsaw is refusing to give us a reason not to take up the challenge,” Alderson explained.  “In fact, he’s giving us a heap of reasons to make the trip.  He has a remarkable will to win and The Quokka gives us an incredible opportunity.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Ladbrokes.  They are great supporters of racing and we are proud that Jigsaw can fly the flag.”

Ladbrokes’ head of commercial / industry Dean Elliott said they were keen to secure him after the William Reid win, with their slot-holder Jokers Grin winning the race in 2025.  “Cindy has done an incredible job with this horse to rise through the ranks as a seven-year-old and compete at the top level,” he said.

“We couldn’t be happier to partner with her as we look to keep the fairytale going.  We knew his win in the Ladbrokes William Reid Stakes would make him popular with slot holders, so we are thankful to Cindy and the team for partnering with us.”

Manhattan Rain (Encosta de Lago) dominated this week’s local news cycle with no racing due to wet weather wiping out weekend meetings in WA.  Fellow Geisel Park sire Winning Rupert (Written Tycoon) did rate a mention from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale on Monday when a Zoustar colt from his half-sister Matryoshka (I Am Invincible) made $1,450,000 to the bid of China Horse Club.

The confirmed runners so far for 2026 The Quokka:
JIGSAW (Manhattan Rain)  Ladbrokes
CABALLUS ((I Am Invincible)  RAM Racing Syndicate
REY MAGNERIO (Magnus)  Sportsbet
JEDIBEEL (Savabeel)  Trackside NZ / Perth Racing

LUANA MISS (Bivouac)  TABtouch
TALKANCO (I’m All The Talk)  Woodbridge & JLS Thoroughbreds
SMOOTH CHINO (Maschino)  Unibet / Chief Racing
WEST STAR (Playing God)  Magic Bloodstock / Magic Millions / Bangaloe Stud