David Hayes is contemplating stepping Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) straight up to 2000m and skipping the George Ryder Stakes.
Criterion found the 1300m of Saturday's Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick too short, prompting the Hall of Fame trainer to reconsider his original plans.
Criterion is retiring to stud after this Sydney campaign and his main goal is defending his Queen Elizabeth Stakes title - the stable just needs to work out how best to get there.
The two options are the George Ryder Stakes at 1500m or the Ranvet Stakes at 2000m.
"He pulled up fine, we've just got to make a decision whether we go straight out to 2000 (metres)," Hayes said.
"So it's a matter of whether we go to the Ranvet or the George Ryder. I'll have to talk with the owners."
While Criterion was unsuccessful in the Canterbury Stakes, Hayes isn't too worried and believes circumstances played a big role against the four-time Group 1 winner.
"I think he was a victim of tempo," he said.
"The leader won and he sat back and nothing made ground in the race."
Hayes was thrilled with the performance of Risque (NZ) (Darci Brahma), who finished third in the Australian Guineas and will now head north.
"Great run - she'll probably go to the Vinery," he said.
"She's been set for Sydney, she's a fresh horse on the scene, which is terrific." –racing.com
Criterion found the 1300m of Saturday's Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick too short, prompting the Hall of Fame trainer to reconsider his original plans.
Criterion is retiring to stud after this Sydney campaign and his main goal is defending his Queen Elizabeth Stakes title - the stable just needs to work out how best to get there.
The two options are the George Ryder Stakes at 1500m or the Ranvet Stakes at 2000m.
"He pulled up fine, we've just got to make a decision whether we go straight out to 2000 (metres)," Hayes said.
"So it's a matter of whether we go to the Ranvet or the George Ryder. I'll have to talk with the owners."
While Criterion was unsuccessful in the Canterbury Stakes, Hayes isn't too worried and believes circumstances played a big role against the four-time Group 1 winner.
"I think he was a victim of tempo," he said.
"The leader won and he sat back and nothing made ground in the race."
Hayes was thrilled with the performance of Risque (NZ) (Darci Brahma), who finished third in the Australian Guineas and will now head north.
"Great run - she'll probably go to the Vinery," he said.
"She's been set for Sydney, she's a fresh horse on the scene, which is terrific." –racing.com