High-quality performer Kallos secured a spot in the esteemed Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m), making a remarkable comeback from a 23-week hiatus to triumph in the $300,000 Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Under the skilful guidance of jockey Blake Shinn, riding for trainer James Cummings, Kalios made a decisive move down the centre of the track, clinching victory by a length over the short-priced favourite Asfoora (-133.33), with stablemate Zapateo (+750) finishing a long head back in third.
Boasting his fourth stakes success, Kallos now boasts a record of seven wins, two seconds, and a third from 19 starts, accumulating earnings of $797,205.
Stable representative Nacim Dilmi shed light on the challenges Kallos faced, stating, “He's had a few things wrong; we've had to put a tongue tie on him and all kinds of other gear, but it was good to see him win the way he did today.”
“He's been in a better mental state at this stage, had a nice training session at Osborne Park, and arrived here a few days ago.
“It was great to see him back in the winner's enclosure.”
“The way he's done it today, it took him a while to get into gear, he was strong late.
“I wouldn't be surprised if we saw him again in two weeks (Oakleigh Plate).”
Following his first-up win, Kallos is now a +1000 chance for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate with leading horse racing bookmakers.