. . . . . "The Criterion Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July.The present Criterion Stakes was established in 1978, and for a period it was classed at Listed level. During the eighties the race was known as the Van Geest Stakes."@en . .