York Next Stop For Criterion

Triple Australian Group 1 winner Criterion (NZ) (Sebring {Aus}), who ran fifth to Free Eagle (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) in the G1 Prince of Wales’s S. June 17, is on target for the G1 Juddmonte International S. at York in two weeks time, following a pleasing racecourse gallop at Newmarket Wednesday morning. The David Hayes trainee was partnered by William Buick, who will have the call at York.

“I rode him last week for the first time,” said a pleased Buick. “He’s a good horse and he’s thriving at the minute. Coming to the racecourse and having a good blow will have done him the world of good. The first time I rode him was a routine piece of work on the Al Bahathri gallop, but working on the racecourse today, you could really let him stretch his legs and he felt pretty good.”

Hayes’s son, Ben Hayes, has been overseeing Criterion’s training regime since he arrived in Britain back in May, with the horse stabled at John Gosden’s yard, where he is currently a pupil assistant.

Added Ben Hayes, “He needed to get a good blow in as there’s only two weeks before the race and it’s now full steam ahead. When he first came over he had a bit of travel sickness for 10 days and was struggling a bit but he’s better than he was before Ascot. He’s doing well and eating well.”

Hayes is under no illusions about the task at hand at York, especially with the likes of MG1SWs Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) waiting in the wings.

“It’s a very tough race and, being realistic, we’ll ride him to finish in the top three,” he concluded. “This race is a stepping stone towards the G1 Cox Plate, which I think we will have a good chance in.”