Local star Jigsaw booked his place in a $1 million feature on his home track at Cranbourne after an impressive all-the-way victory at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The Cindy Alderson-trained sprinter made it back-to-back wins with a dominant front-running display in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m), following his recent success in the Apache Cat Classic (1200m) at Cranbourne.

The win also marked a career highlight for Alderson’s apprentice jockey Logan Bates, who notched his biggest success in just over two years of riding.

With the late scratching of main speed rival Tropicus, Jigsaw ($19) enjoyed a soft lead before kicking clear on the home turn to score by 1¾ lengths from Klabel ($26), with Bridal Waltz ($5.50) a head away in third.

Alderson said the victory secured a spot in the $1 million The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne on November 22.

“I only came here to get that ticket,” Alderson said.

“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 (luckily) I did today.”

Alderson praised Bates’ professionalism, noting his dedication in travelling from Yarra Valley after riding a provincial winner earlier in the day.

“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,” Alderson said.

“He’s not a kid, he’s a man, and I’m so proud of him.

“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.”

Bates said he knew Jigsaw was travelling strongly mid-race when the gelding pricked his ears approaching the turn.

“That’s when you know he’s loving his work,” Bates said.

“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.”

“I’ve only been riding a tick over two years and to knock over a Group 2 so early in my career is incredible,” Bates added.

Punters can get behind Jigsaw’s next run in The Meteorite by checking odds at top Australian betting sites such as Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB.