CHAMPION Tasmanian galloper The Cleaner resumes from a short spell in the $100,000 weight-for-age Conquering Stakes at the UBET Racing Centre in Launceston and his trainer Mick Burles is confident of victory.
The Cleaner hasn’t started since he finished a game seventh in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley after which Burles discovered he had contracted a virus that required antibiotic treatment.
“I have had the horse thoroughly checked and his blood is 100% so he will go into this race in great order – health wise,” Burles said.
“Some might think he is going to be vulnerable first-up over 1400m but he has been very competitive over 1200m in the past when resuming from a short break so the 1400m shouldn’t bother him.”
“Noel Callow is coming over to ride him and that’s a plus so I am pretty confident he can win, even with Admiral in the field,” he said.
The last time The Cleaner and Admiral clashed it was Admiral that emerged triumphant in the weight-for-age George Adams Plate on Launceston Cup day in February.
Admiral’s trainer Barry Campbell was confident about Admiral winning first-up in the Newmarket handicap but the horse was stymied for a run in the home straight that led to him hitting the line under a hold and in fifth spot.
“There’s no doubt Admiral should have finished closer to the winner in the Newmarket but that race is gone and we have to concentrate on what’s ahead,” Campbell said.
“My horse will appreciate the 1400m and hopefully he can do the job but The Cleaner is a great horse and is clearly the one to beat,” he said.
Both horses will progress to the weight-for-age $100,000 Tasmania Stakes in Launceston on December 23 after which The Cleaner will embark on a trip to the Gold Coast in Queensland where he will tackle the $1 million Stayers Cup over 1800m.