Caulfield Stakes winner Criterion will further his Cox Plate campaign with a gallop at Moonee Valley.

Co-trainer David Hayes said a gallop on Thursday rather than the Breakfast with the Stars next week was his preferred option in the lead-up to the Cox Plate.

Criterion joined Kermadec at the top of Cox Plate betting at $5 following his win in the Caulfield Stakes on Saturday.

"I'll take him to Moonee Valley but not for Breakfast With The Stars," Hayes said.

"I don't think he needs the hype of it all.

"I'll probably take him there for a quiet piece of work on Thursday

"I think that win on Saturday proved he's pretty much ready for the Cox Plate."

Criterion spent six months away from home racing in Hong Kong and England and won the Caulfield Stakes just hours after leaving the Werribee quarantine centre.

He remains in contention for the Melbourne Cup and is No.5 on the order of entry into the race.