A ground-saving ride from Hugh Bowman helped Criterion to an effortless Group One win in the Rosehill Guineas on Saturday.

Criterion ($14) settled worse than midfield but Bowman took short cuts on the turn and the David Payne-trained three-year-old had the race won soon after.

“He was aided by a genuinely run race that suited him and I was able to get where I wanted to be from a wide draw,” Bowman said.

“He just took me into the race when the gaps came.”

Criterion extended his lead once he got to the front and finished 3-1/2 lengths ahead of Thunder Fantasy ($12).

Queenslander Teronado ($8) wound up third.

Payne said Bowman’s horsemanship was a telling factor.

“He’s a horse you can’t bustle … that’s why you use the top boys (jockeys),” he said.

Cox Plate winner Shamus Award and New Zealand Derby winner Puccini provided a stern test of stamina when they set a strong tempo.

Shamus Award was the first horse to drop out while Puccini was claimed at the 300m.