He won a Derby and could have achieved more, but his stakes earnings say otherwise

CRITERION raced only in the best company and proved one of the toughest and most competitive performers of his generation over four seasons. Criterion was one of the most underrated, but the most adaptable and versatile horses to emerge in recent years. The colt demonstrated exceptional talent at a young age, achieving notable victories in the Gr.3 Black Opal and Gr.2 Todman Stakes at the age of two. His physical prowess was further showcased by his triumph in the Australian Derby on a challenging track at the age of three, with jockey Hugh Bowman providing expert guidance. Moreover, his remarkable endurance was evident in his third-place finish in the prestigious Melbourne Cup two years later. These accomplishments highlight his versatility and exceptional abilities as a racehorse. Criterion was a thoroughbred racehorse of the highest calibre, who exemplified professionalism and pedigree.

Criterion, a product of the exceptional stallion Sebring and Mica’s Pride (Bite The Bullet) the dam of four stakes winners, was bred to excel in various aspects. However, his performances could be inconsistent, demonstrating versatility but lacking dominance in specific areas. Criterion put himself into contention for the Golden Slipper at Rosehill in 2013, beating Fast ‘n’ Rocking and Havana in the Gr.2 Todman Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill.

Unfortunately a win in the major juvenile event was not to be. Criterion was sixth (of 16) in the Gr.1 Slipper behind Overreach and then sixth (of 13) in the Gr.1 Champagne (1600m) behind Guelph. The colt, bred and owned by New Zealand businessman Sir Owen Glenn, started his three year-old season with an 11th in the Run to the Gr.3 Rose on August 31 and a similar placing in the Gr.1 Golden Rose in September before a narrow second to Eurozone in the Gr.2 Stan Fox Stakes on September 28 and a 1.25 length second to Savvy Nature in the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in October Taken to Melbourne, he was fourth in the 2500m VRC Derby-Gr.1 (4.5 lengths) to Polanski, Complacent and Thunder Fantasy before going for a break.

Back at the track on February 15, the colt was fourth in the Gr.3 VRC C.S. Hayes (1400m) behind Hucklebuck and then back in Gr.1 company for the VRC Australian Guineas on March 1, beaten a length by Shamus Award.

Taken to Sydney, he was eighth in the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) behind Dissident (also by Sebring) on March 15 before claiming his first Group one in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m), beating Thunder Fantasy by 3.5 lengths on a slow track with Hugh Bowman taking control in the straight to storm home on the talented three year-old. Payne said the horse was more mature than when he finished fourth in the VRC Derby in the spring and went on to win the Gr.1 Australian Derby two weeks later, shaming the doubters who didn't believe he had the ability to see out the 2400 metre journey. Critreon achieved Group One victories at the ages of three, four, and five. Jockey Hugh Bowman said, “To win a Derby on a colt with sprinting blood on both sides of his pedigree shows he is a class horse. “He is the best three-year-old around at 2000 metres and beyond.”

Subsequently, Criterion was transferred from David Payne to David Hayes for an international campaign. In the 2014 Hong Kong Cup, Criterion placed third behind two of Hong Kong's champions, Designs On Rome and Military Attack. Returning to Australia his Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory demonstrated Criterion's exceptional performance under the guidance of jockey Craig Williams. Despite facing international competition, Criterion secured another notable placement in the Hong Kong QEII Cup, finishing behind Blazing Speed and Staphanos. The entire’s penultimate campaign also featured a Cox Plate second, beaten almost five lengths by a rampaging Winx. A great horse who doesn’t get the accolades he deserves, his breeding career was blighted by infertility. Criterion stood at stud for three seasons but is credited with just 19 offspring, including the Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott-trained Yardstick, who is also part-owned by Criterion’s Sir Owen Glenn.

RACE RECORD - 36: 7-7-7

EARNINGS - $7,268,869

G1 Australian Derby

G1 Rosehill Guineas

G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes

G2 Todman Stakes

G3 Black Opal