David Hayes described as “very good” Monday's gallop at his Euroa training complex from Criterion, who leaves for Hong Kong on Tuesday week (December 2).
Criterion, a recent addition to the Hayes/Dabernig stable, worked over 1400 metres, finishing off his final 400 metres in 24 seconds, reports Racing Network.
“He worked really well, I was very happy with his work,” Hayes said.
“He did it in good style. The way he works just tells you he's a good horse.”
Hayes noted that Criterion would have an exhibition gallop on Saturday at Moonee Valley with a stablemate before heading to Hong Kong next week.
The Rosehill Guineas and ATC Derby winner will run in the Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Hong Kong’s International meeting on Sunday December 14.
Criterion was runner-up, beaten a head by Fawkner, in the Caulfield Stakes then finished a close-up seventh, beaten 1.4 lengths behind Adelaide, in the Cox Plate.
After Criterion finished fifth, beaten 3.6 lengths, behind Happy Trails in the LKS Mackinnon Stakes, connections transferred the four-year-old to Hayes’s stable from that of David Payne.
Hugh Bowman will ride Criterion in the Hong Kong Cup.