Criterion Connections Consider ‘Arc’

Australian powerhouse Criterion (NZ) (Sebring {Aus}), a three-time Group 1 winner in Australia, could end up running in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe if he dazzles at Royal Ascot. David Hayes, who trains the 4-year-old in partnership with his nephew Tom Dabernig, accepts a visit to Longchamp in the autumn is remote, but a big performance in either the G1 Prince of Wales’s S. or the G1 Queen Anne S. could force his hand. 

“It [the Arc] is not a real target at the moment, but if he was to win at Royal Ascot and the owner wanted to do that then it keeps our option open,” said Hayes. “We would only go to the race if he was in brilliant form and was one of the favorites, which would mean that he is performing well in Europe. It’s always wet the Arc, which would be in his favor, and it would just be such a thrill. It would be on every owner and trainer’s bucket list to have a horse capable of competing in the Arc but it’s only a long shot.” 

Hayes continued, “The preferred option at the moment is for one run in England, maybe two, then give him a spell in the UK and come back through quarantine at Werribee and set him for the [G1 ]Cox Plate.” 

Criterion captured the G1 Rosehill Guineas and G1 Australian Derby before adding a third Group 1 with a comprehensive defeat of Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. at Randwick in April, during a lucrative career. The Sebring colt was transferred to England after he finished third in the G1 QEII Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Kong, but it has not been clear sailing since his arrival at John Gosden’s Clarehaven yard. 
“He had a bit of a temperature on arrival but he’s back to normal now and he’s just doing light duties for another week and then I’ll step him up,” Hayes told www.racing.com. “After two hard runs in two weeks, and then the trip to England, he needed an easy week but he’s on track.” 
Criterion also holds an entry in the G1 Coral-Eclipse S. at Sandown July 4.