Derby Triumph for Sebring Colt

Just minutes after Sebring sired his first stakes-winner at 2400 metres when Bring Something took the Listed MRC Galilee Series Final, he followed with his second as top class colt Criterion triumphed over the heavy conditions at Randwick to win the Group I ATC Australian Derby.

A brilliant two year-old last season that won the Group II ATC Todman Stakes and finished sixth in the Golden Slipper, the David Payne trained Criterion has been a revelation this season when trained as a stayer.

A resounding three and a half length winner of the Group I ATC Rosehill Guineas last start, Crieterion was sent out a short priced favourite for the Derby and under a skilled ride from High Bowman was able to salute.

He enjoyed a good run in transit from the inside gate and when asked to go forward from his midfield position in the straight he powered home to defeat the determined Tupac Amaru by half a length.

“He was a Slipper horse and now he’s a Derby horse, there’s no rules in racing,” said an elated David Payne.

“He was very weak early on, but now he’s furnished, he’s a different horse.

“He’s never been better, but the weather did worry me.”

Hugh Bowman rode Criterion in the Golden Slipper and was reunited with him last start for the Rosehill Guineas.

“He’s raced at the top level right through his whole career and broke through last start with a dominant win, so I was confident today,” Bowman said.

Foaled in New Zealand at Blandford Lodge, Criterion is a homebred for Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock and has won five races and placed four times from 16 starts earning $2.25 million in prizemoney.

The second Group I winner for Sebring following on from Group I ATC Randwick Guineas winner Dissident, these two colts have combined to give Sebring the 3YO Triple Crown with his first crop of three year-olds.

Criterion is a half-brother to Group II winner Varenna Miss and stakes-winner Silently being one of six winners from six foals to race from Group III winning Bite the Bullet (USA) mare Mica’s Pride.

Sebring has taken over from ill-fated Northern Meteor as the Leading Australian Second Season Sire by earnings, winners and stakes-winners.