The Cleaner’s part-owner Paul Burt and track rider Karl Rhodes remind media personality Neil Kearney of his pledge to swim in the town’s horse trough should The Cleaner win today’s $3 million Cox Plate. Picture: SCOTT GELSTON
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TASMANIA’S latest sporting hopeful has more than $1 million riding on his head as he approaches the start line of today’s Cox Plate.
Ten-thousand-dollar Longford horse The Cleaner had more than 6182 punters backing him on Thursday, according to TAB, and the promise of a handsome payout for those willing to take a risk.
The horse has travelled from $200-to-$1 in fixed odds down to $10-to-$1 since becoming the first qualifier for the Cox Plate — a result of toppling competitors in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes.
Faith in the horse has no doubt risen since his qualifying effort due to his winning time in the Japan Racing Association Cup, one fast enough to win the past nine Cox Plates.
Punters will no doubt be cheering in Longford today as live crosses are made on Channel Seven to the town’s historic horse trough.
Presenting the crosses will be media personality Neil Kearney, who has promised to swim and drink from the trough if the local star crosses the line first.
‘‘It’s so rare for a $10,000 horse to be on the stage that’s the real race for blue bloods,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘This is the Cox Plate, it is not a handicap race, it is a race for the best horses in the country.
‘‘(Part-owner) Paul Burt has probably overcome ridiculous odds with the amounts he keeps winning on the Keno, but the odds that The Cleaner’s overcome to get to the Cox Plate is more ridiculous than that.
‘‘I don’t think Tasmanians quite understand the impact that The Cleaner and (trainer) Mick Burles have had — I’m certain Mick Burles hasn’t understood it and thankfully The Cleaner won’t understand it either.’’
Crosses will be made outside Longford Town Hall from 3pm until 6pm.