The Cleaner has failed to fire in his two previous starts at Caulfield, but trainer Mick Burles is hopeful that the cult hero can produce his best form at the venue when he contests the 2015 P.B. Lawrence Stakes this afternoon.
The Cleaner will return to the races in the 2015 P.B. Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield this afternoon. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
The Cleaner made his Caulfield debut when he finished 11th behind Ibicenco in the 2013 edition of Listed Slickpix Stakes (1700m) on August 31 and he finished fifth behind Sertorius in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) on April 4, but Burles told Racing Ahead that the son of Savoire Vivre was at the end of his preparation in both starts and he is hopeful that the veteran can produce his best in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes.
“A month or six weeks ago the boys decided that they wanted to have another crack at Caulfield,” Burles said.
“He has had two runs there and he hasn’t done any good, but both times it was the end of his campaign and one with Robert Smerdon and one was with me.
“The last time he only got beaten about a length and a half, so it wasn’t too bad.”
While there are question marks over The Cleaner’s record at Caulfield, Burles does not have the same worries about the physical condition of his star galloper.
Burles said that The Cleaner has impressed him with everything that he has done in the lead-up to the start of his 2015 Spring Racing Carnival campaign and he is confident that the eight-year-old will give his rivals something to chase in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes.
“I am really pleased with him, he is happy,” Burles said.
“He does his work and he enjoys it.
“He is happy to do what he is doing and he is happy in himself, which is the main thing.
“I can’t see any other leaders in there, but there are a couple in there that I don’t know too much about.
“It is a bit hard to line some of the form up, but I know that Smokin’ Joey will sprint home.
“Hopefully we are far enough in front when we straighten up and we don’t have to worry about it.”
The Cleaner is currently available at 2015 P.B. Lawrence Stakes odds of $12 with Ladbrokes and he is on the sixth line of betting behind Smokin’ Joey ($3.60), Excess Knowledge ($4.40), Dibayani ($5), Mourinho ($6.50) and Petrology ($7.50).
