Criterion leaves for Hong Kong in top shape after an exhibition gallop at Moonee Valley.

The Melbourne Cup placegetter jets out on Monday for the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on December 13.

Criterion, with Craig Williams in the saddle, had the better of stablemate Orator in the gallop over 1400m, running home the last 600m in 34.74secs.

Co-trainer David Hayes said the five-year-old had stepped up to another level after joining the Lindsay Park stable 12 months ago.

And Hayes heads to Hong Kong confident Criterion can improve on his third placing in last year's race.

"I know him now, a year later on," Hayes said.

"This time we've had him all the way through with Hong Kong in the back of our minds, providing he was well.

"He's never sent a message that he's not in form."

Hayes said Criterion was a lazy trackworker which sparks up when taken to a racecourse for a gallop.

"I don't want him having gut-busting gallops but I brought him here to see his recovery," Hayes said.

"I'm happy with him and I can coast with him in Hong Kong now."

Williams partnered Criterion in a gallop at Lindsay Park during the week and gave Hayes a glowing report after his gallop on Saturday.

He said Criterion relaxed during the hit-out and quickened when asked.

"He was sharp," Williams said.