Trainer David Hayes insists he took a lot away from Criterion's exhibition gallop at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

An ATC Australian Derby winner, Criterion on Monday leaves for Hong Kong where he will contest the Hong Kong International Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on December 14.

Ridden by Dara O'Meachair, Criterion worked with stablemate Purple Smile (Mark Walker) over 1200m in 1min17.64secs, coming home the last 600m in 34.98secs.

Hayes said he was learning day by day about Criterion but wanted to analyse his race-day habits.

He said Criterion hadn't left an oat since arriving at Lindsay Park from David Payne and importantly his race day manners are excellent.

"Going into a big race race and first-up for me, it's very important to get to know him a bit," Hayes said.

"I've worked him out at home and now I have to work him out away from home which was part of the reason for coming here today.

"I thought that was lovely work."

With the gallop out of the way and knowing the Hong Kong scene at Sha Tin, Hayes said he can afford to keep Criterion happy in the lead-up to the race.

He said he won't need a hard gallop before the race and the gallop on Saturday showed Hayes where Criterion is at.

"When I go to Hong Kong I'll just work him nice and easy," Hayes said.

"Just give him some cruisy work and just trust him.

"I'm not going to be sizzling him in Hong Kong.

"The lucky thing is I've been there a bit and I think when new horses come in and when they sizzle they don't normally win."

Hugh Bowman, who won the Australian Derby on Criterion, has the ride in Hong Kong.