Brave Third for Criterion

Sebring four year-old Criterion did his Australian and New Zealand connections proud when running a brave third to local HK trained superstars Designs on Rome and Military Attack in the Group I Hong Kong International Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The handsome chestnut entire was having his first run for new trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig and had not raced since finishing fifth in the Group I VRC Mackinnon Stakes during the spring.

His rider Hugh Bowman was well pleased with his effort.

“He ran a super race. He raced much closer to the speed which wasn’t really by design but he began well, travelled well, gave a kick and was just run down by two good ones,” he said.

A Group II winner at two, a Classic winner at three of the Group I ATC Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby, Criterion is now Sebring’s first international Group I performer.

Sebring is the most represented sire at the 2015 Magic Millions with 53 entries.