The Cleaner in the $90,000 weight-for-age Kevin Sharkie Stakes over 1600 metres did a lot more than make people sit up and take notice of the talented stayer.
The Cleaner produced his customary bold front-running trick but what many didn’t expect was that he would keep running away from his rivals that included last year’s horse of the year Geegees Blackflash.
It was the Mick Burles-trained gelding’s first start since returning from an interstate trip that ended in late September with an unplaced effort in the Ansett Stakes over 2413 metres at Mornington.
The Cleaner was a late nomination for the Sharkie but he delivered the job like an odds-on favourite.
Rider Jason Maskiell allowed the gelding to roll along in front but he was mindful not to allow the son of Savoire Vivre to rattle off sectionals that would leave him floundering over the final 200 metres, as it was his first start for almost three months.
Geegees Blackflash travelled well in second place for most of the race but when the champ was eased off the fence by his jockey Peter Mertens to stake his claim he was unable to take ground off the eventual winner.
Dream Pedlar was the eye-catching run of the race, coming from near last at the 700-metre peg and finished just behind Geegees Blackflash.
Geegees Blackflash’s rider Peter Mertens said his charge had an off day.
“When he won at his previous start (in Launceston defeating Rebel Bride in the Conquering Stakes) he was the Blackflash of old but the run might have taken a bit too much out of him because he was a bit flat today,” Mertens said.
Birles was elated with his horse’s effort and is now confident he has a genuine Hobart-Launceston Cup prospect.
Listen to what trainer Mick Burles told Peter Staples after the race – click here.