Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 

David Hayes remains bullish about the prospects of Criterion giving Lindsay Park a seventh victory in the Cox Plate despite the presence of strong European opposition.

Hayes and training partner Tom Dabernig saddle Criterion in Saturday’s 2040m contest at Moonee Valley, a race Lindsay Park last won with Fields Of Omagh in 2006.

Criterion will be Lindsay Park’s first runner since Miss Finland and Niconero in 2007 and Hayes is confident the five-year-old will give a good account of himself in the most open Cox Plate in recent years.

The market has the Aidan O’Brien-trained Highland Reel the $5 favourite ahead of Criterion and Winx at $6, Kermadec at $6.50 with Arod at $9.50.

However the appearance of European gallopers Arod, Gailo Chop and Highland Reel has Hayes tempering his enthusiasm.

“In a normal Cox Plate year of 10 years ago I would be very confident,” Hayes said.

“I really respect these internationals as I’ve seen them up close this year and I know how good they are.

“I wish they weren’t here.”

Criterion raced with moderate success in England during the year after arriving from Hong Kong with a bout of travel sickness.

Hayes said a plan to win the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup was hatched after his unplaced effort at Royal Ascot in June.

Criterion trained with a string of John Gosden’s horses, having a thorough grounding, and part of the preparation was the Juddmonte International at York in August.

Hayes said Criterion returned to Australia a fit racehorse.

The plan worked with his Caulfield Stakes success and Hayes is delighted with his progress since, bypassing the Breakfast With The Best at Moonee Valley on Tuesday to avoid the hype.

“He did a really nice piece of work on Sunday which suggested he has improved from the Caulfield Stakes and we’ve tapered into the race,” Hayes said.

Hayes doesn’t expect Criterion to be far away in the run and if jockey Michael Walker can have him close enough with 600m to run he thinks Criterion will be hard to hold out.

“He’s got the ability to run 33 seconds for the last 600 metres,” Hayes said.

“Michael’s got to give him a very smooth run for the first part of the race and give him plenty of room when he goes.”

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Tags:
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au