TASMANIAN stayer The Cleaner has bypassed Sunday’s Summer Cup in Hobart as part of his Betfair Hobart Cup preparation with connections preferring to run the gelding at Flemington on Saturday.
Trainer Mick Burles confirmed today that The Cleaner would run in the Piping Lane Handicap over 2000 metres and Anthony Darmanin has been booked to ride the gelding.
The Cleaner comes off a game second to Geegees Blackflash in a quality handicap over 1600 metres in Launceston on New Year’s Eve.
“This race was always on the agenda although I dual nominated at Flemington in the 1700-metre race just as a bit of a look-in but we will definitely accept for The Piping Lane,” Burles said.
“I couldn’t be happier with where the horse is at this stage of his preparation.”
“He’s come through his last run in great shape and I was very happy with how Darmanin rode him so he stays on for the Flemington race,” he said.
The Cleaner will head to Melbourne by sea aboard the Spirit of Tasmania on Friday night, which is the procedure adopted by Burles in the past.
“The horse will pretty much go straight to the racetrack from the ship and we will be on the boat back to Tassie on Saturday night,” he said.
The Cleaner’s main mission is the Betfair Hobart Cup.
The Betfair Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival officially gets under way at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart on Sunday with the Hobart Guineas for three-year-olds and the Summer Cup (2100m) the main features on the nine-event card.
A big crowd is expected as it also coincides with Pink Ribbons Day that usually attracts about 500 to a luncheon that raises funds for the Cancer Council of Tasmania.
The luncheon will feature fashion prizes for men and women, raffle and door prizes, a two course luncheon with bubbles on arrival, a fashion parade coordinated by Sharee Marshall and Ci Simon and previewing summer race wear fashions for men by Ci Simon and women by Sharee Marshall as well as live on course racing throughout the day.
A lipstick lounge, Sharee Marshall and Ci Simon Pop Up Shops, and Ultimate Lolly Banquet will also be available for guests.
All proceeds from fund raising on the day will be donated to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
To book tables call 03 6272 9492 and for more information or to donate for the event or to sponsor a race, please contact the Race Day Luncheon Chair, Judi Adams, on 0415294610 or eventstas@gmail.com.