Australian Derby winner Criterion has taken his place on a plane bound for Hong Kong after clearing all veterinary checks following a health scare.

Criterion’s trip to Hong Kong was in danger of being delayed after the four-year-old showed signs of colic on Sunday afternoon.

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

Hayes said Criterion had a bit of a “stomach ache” on Sunday afternoon but was back to normal on Monday.

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.”

Hayes investigated delaying the trip a day or two but said Monday’s flight was the best option.

“There was a plane going up on Tuesday,” Hayes said.

“He would have been on it with ponies and would have needed to spend ten days in isolation which was not ideal.

“This is the best option and he’s been given the all clear, so we’ll stick with the original plans.”

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.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au