The Cleaner ready for Winter C'ship Final

Thursday 10 July 2014, 3:04pm

Tasmanian trainer Mick Burles is sticking to a proven travel schedule with The Cleaner as the galloper prepares to chase his biggest win in Melbourne on Saturday.

The last-start Moonee Valley winner returned home after his most recent victory two weeks ago and is due to arrive back in Melbourne by ferry early on Friday to contest Saturday's Listed Winter Championship Final (1600m).

"Everything is spot on at the moment," Burles said.

"We leave on the boat about seven o'clock (on Thursday) and then get there about six o'clock in the morning as normal. That's what he always does, so I'm not changing anything."

The Winter Championship has been Burles' main aim with The Cleaner this preparation and victory in the $150,000 race, which headlines the `Finals Day' program, would clinch the gelding a shot at Group races in Melbourne in the spring.

Burles would like to give the frontrunner his chance in better races, with the Group One Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington among the considerations.

"I'd be looking at weight-for-age races probably," Burles said.

"I don't think he's a Group One horse but I think he could win a Group Two or a Group Three, hopefully."

The Cleaner opened TAB favourite at $6 for the Winter Championship Final but has eased to $6.50 with Henwood firming to $5.50.

Burles is not concerned about The Cleaner having 60kg and barrier 16 in the capacity field of 16 plus four emergencies.

"The last time he won at Flemington (in June last year) he won out of barrier 14. He comes out of 12 on Saturday if the emergencies don't get a run so it's not too bad," Burles said.

"He's got more room out there. If he draws barrier one or something like that he can get squeezed up and it could be the end of the race.

"I'm happy with him out there. And 60 kilos is not going to worry him."

– AAP

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