Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2015: Criterion fills David Hayes with confidence for Randwick feature

• 12 HOURS AGO APRIL 07, 2015 6:40PM

Criterion, left, is ready to peak in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes after finishing second to Real Impact in the George Ryder Stakes last month. Source: Getty Images

DAVID Hayes is growing in confidence that Criterion can beat an international field in Saturday’s $4 million Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.

Criterion, winner of last year’s Group 1 Rosehill Guineas and ATC Australian Derby, heads into the 2000m feature on the back of a slashing second behind Japan’s Real Impact in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m).

The Ryder form was confirmed on Monday when Real Impact finished second to Kermadec in $3 million Doncaster Mile at Randwick. Kermadec was an unlucky third in the Ryder.

“We had a trial and used a blanket on him at the barriers because he has been slowly away,” Hayes said. “He jumped out and was very impressive. I think he is up to his best trip, the (slow/heavy) track will be perfect for him and I am starting to get excited about his prospects.”

He was delighted with barrier four and believes jockey Craig Williams should have the winner of more than $3.2 million from 25 starts in the firing line throughout.

David Hayes is excited about Criterion’s chances on Saturday. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Criterion showed his class when beaten only a length into third place in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at his first outing for Hayes on December 14.

Hayes also will be represented by Spillway, winner of the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at his last start. He drew barrier six.

“He has held his form and he too will be competitive,” Hayes said of the $26 chance, who will be ridden by Michael Walker.

$4 million QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES (2000m)

Randwick, Saturday 4.35pm

1. CONTRIBUTER (IRE) John O’Shea James McDonald 13 59kg

2. CRITERION (NZ) David Hayes & Tom Dabernig Craig Williams 4 59kg

3. HAPPY TRAILS Paul Beshara Damien Oliver 9 59kg

4. RED CADEAUX (GB) Ed Dunlop —— 3 59kg

5. FIVEANDAHALFSTAR Anthony Cummings Blake Shinn 7 59kg

6. BEATEN UP (GB) Chris Waller Glyn Schofield 1 59kg

7. SPILLWAY (GB) David Hayes & Tom Dabernig Michael Walker 6 59kg

8. AOMEN (IRE) Anthony Cummings Glen Boss 2 59kg

9. ADELAIDE (IRE) Chris Waller Ryan Moore 12 58.5kg

10. TO THE WORLD (JPN) Yasutoshi Ikee Zac Purton 5 58.5kg

11. TOSEN STARDOM (JPN) Yasutoshi Ikee Tommy Berry 11 58.5kg

12. ROYAL DESCENT Chris Waller Joao Moreira 10 57kg

13. LUCIA VALENTINA (NZ) Kris Lees Hugh Bowman 8 57kg

CLICK HERE: TAB FIXED ODDS

Originally published as Hayes warms to Criterion’s chances