Fred Kersley landed his biggest victory when he guided Godolphin colt Kallos to victory in Danehill Stakes at Flemington.
Prior to Saturday’s win in the Group 2 dash up the Flemington straight 1100m course, Kersley’s previous biggest win had been at Listed level in last year’s Cranbourne Cup.
Kersley went close to winning the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 18, only to be grabbed late by Sierra Sue.
“The last few weeks have been quite character building,” Kersley said.
“But I’ve had great support from James (Cummings) here today and the Godolphin camp.”
The second string of the Godolphin camp, Kallos ($12) recorded a comfortable two-length win from General Beau ($7) with Bruckner ($12) a short-neck away third.
Kallos showed potential as a two-year-old running fourth in a Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield in February before running second to Tycoon Humma in Listed grade over 1000m at Flemington in March.
After a spell, Kallos resumed with a soft win in a Hawkesbury maiden last month.
Kersley started riding trackwork for Godolphin three months ago and with interstate jockeys unable to travel he has picked up several rides for the stable.
“About three months ago I probably pushed my way into (Godolphin foreman) Reg’s (Flemming) face and started doing a heap of work for him,” Kersley said.
“From there the relationship stemmed but it is just good to get good opportunities for them and being able to deliver on the big day is more important.
“He’s a nice horse going places. He travelled well for me throughout and at the 600 metres I had to remind myself to hold on.
“Then when I felt for him so late, I thought ‘ok we’re in with it here’ and the last 100 was very strong by him. He was going very well on the line.”