Criterion on his way to Hong Kong

Criterion’s on-again, off-again trip to Hong Kong is back on with the horse finally leaving Melbourne with Brisbane sprinter Buffering.

Early on Monday morning the trip for Criterion looked in doubt after the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained galloper suffered a mild bout of colic a day earlier.

After getting the all clear to travel from the stable vets, an Australian Quarantine Inspection Service vet would not pass Criterion for travel to Hong Kong when he got to Melbourne Airport.

After more discussion Criterion was eventually loaded with the plane finally leaving for Hong Kong around 6pm, some 2-1/2 hours later than its intended departure.

A newcomer to the Hayes-Dabernig stable, the dual Group One winner is being aimed at the Hong Kong International Cup (2000m) on December 14 while the Robert Heathcote-trained Buffering is an entrant in the Hong Kong International Sprint (1200m).

He said the symptoms Criterion displayed were in line with a mild case of colic.

“We were able to work him as normal this morning,” Hayes said on Monday.

“His food intake and his fluid intake has been normal.”

Criterion had an exhibition gallop at Moonee Valley on Saturday working with stablemate Purple Smile and pleased Hayes with the work-out.

Hayes and Dabernig took over the training of Criterion from David Payne following his fifth behind Happy Trails in the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington on November 1 after which Payne recommended the entire be sent for a spell.

Under Payne, Criterion won the Rosehill Guineas as well as the Australian Derby.

Buffering had a somewhat leisurely gallop on Friday but Heathcote was pleased with his fitness levels.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!