The Cleaner is assured of a start in the Cox Plate after his all the way win in the Dato’Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

He has already developed a cult following similar to Vo Rogue in the early80’s, once he reaches the lead there is no stopping him, he just keeps on going.

The horse that was purchased by his trainer, Mick Burles, for $10,000, when he ran short of cash he sold the gelding to three golfing mates for $5,000 each, “I should have kept a bloody share myself, “ he said.

There was a period when the horse was in the care of Robert Smerdon at Caulfield, but the close environment didn’t suit him, he missed roaming his paddock during the day and being boxed at night.

Nothing is going to change, travelling conditions will remain the same, The Cleaner boards the Princess of Tasmania on Thursday night, arrives Friday morning, back on board Sunday night, and back in his favourite paddock the next day.

The gelding will be back at Moonee Valley for the JRA Cup on Grand Final eve over 2040 metres, the distance of the Cox Plate.

Mourinho was beginning to close rapidly on The Cleaner at the end of the 1600 metres on Saturday.

We will get a better guide if he can run out a strong 2040 metres against the elite company that will oppose him in the Cox Plate.

The Cleaner with his sights on the Cox Plate