Trainer David Hayes this morning confirmed that G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) contender Criterion is fit and well leading into Sunday’s race and dismissed any concerns over a supposed colic attack immediately before his departure from Australia.
“He had colic like symptoms in his behaviour but it wasn’t colic. He had a bad reaction, a colic like reaction to the tick wash which is compulsory before they fly. He’s the one horse in a thousand to react badly,” Hayes said.
The former Hong Kong champion trainer, now based in Victoria, said the tick treatment was akin to the horse being shampooed. “He had some blistering and a rash down the spine which is now healing up well although you can still notice it. It’s not absolutely ideal but given a choice between colic or a rash, you’ll take the rash any day,” he said.
Hayes, who trained 458 winners in his nine-season stint in Hong Kong from 1995, says the Australian Derby winning four-year-old is capable of running well on his debut for the stable after being transferred from David Payne’s yard.
“My gut feeling is that the horse will run well. He’s physically great apart from the rash and he seems to be doing well in the stable here. And I was pleased with his gallop this morning. He did it very easily and his recovery was great.
“His exhibition gallop at Moonee Valley races, before he left, was very good and this gallop this morning will be all he needs. That will be his final bit of work,” he said.
Hayes said that Criterion’s chance would be greater if the ground happens to be soft. “If we get rain, I’ll be dancing in the streets. He’s very good with some give. His two G1 wins in Sydney earlier in the year came on rain affected tracks and the ground was just too firm for him last start in the Mackinnon Stakes.
“This track (Sha Tin) will suit him, be better for him. It won’t be as firm as Flemington, no matter what but I’d still be happy to see some rain,” Hayes said of the horse whose five career wins have come right-handed.
