STAR Tasmanian galloper The Cleaner will have his next start in an open handicap over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley on Saturday week (August 2).
The Cleaner was a game second in the Winter Sprint Series final at Flemington 10 days ago but lost no admirers in the way he toughed it out over the concluding stages.
However his regular rider Anthony Darmanin suffered a knee injury when he was dumped from Spirit of Nia after she crossed the line a winner at Mowbray last Saturday.
With the uncertainty of whether Darmanin would be available, connections have booked Noel Callow for the Moonee Valley ride and the gelding is likely to be handicapped to carry 60kg.
“The horse is in great shape and he goes well at Moonee Valley over the 1600-metre trip so I’m looking forward to the race,” said Longford trainer Mick Burles.
“He was as game as they come in the Winter Sprint Series final but he’s probably not as vulnerable at the Valley because it’s such a short home straight,” he said.