Jigsaw will take an important step towards a possible New Zealand campaign when he lines up in a jump-out at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday.

The Cindy Alderson-trained sprinter is being assessed ahead of a potential start in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 24.

Jigsaw has not raced since his victory in The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne on November 22, a win that completed a hat-trick following earlier successes at Cranbourne and Moonee Valley.

Apprentice Logan Bates, who has partnered the gelding in all three wins this preparation, said the signs were positive as Jigsaw builds towards a possible trip across the Tasman.

“The way he is prepping up, it appears all systems go,” Bates said.

“It’s nothing too serious, it’s more stimulation for him, but the way he’s prepping up, it looks like he is going.”

Wednesday’s jump-out comes after Jigsaw did not take part in a Cranbourne jump-out on Monday, with the stable opting to give him a slightly different hit-out.

Bates said Jigsaw’s recent run has played a major role in the apprentice’s career progression, delivering his biggest win to date in The Meteorite.

The pair also combined earlier in the spring to land Bates’ first Stakes victory in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Should Jigsaw head to New Zealand, Bates is keen to make the trip, having already gained overseas experience last month.

“I’ll definitely be going, unless the boss says otherwise, but at this stage, if I behave myself, I’ll be going,” Bates said.

The apprentice recently rode at Riccarton during New Zealand Cup week, including competing against his mother Kylie Williams.

Bates could be in for a busy period, with hopes also of heading to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Carnival after his recent success aboard Gin A Tonic at Caulfield Heath.

Early markets and race previews for the Railway Stakes can be followed via the Australian betting sites list.