Sydney trainer Gerald Ryan was nursing a sore head after celebrations went a little too far following Charlie Boy's upset Group Two Danehill Stakes win at Flemington.

Ryan and his son Blake have a tradition of celebrating with a friendly headbutt but it was a little too cosy this time after they watched the race at Randwick with Ryan senior copping a split in his scalp, causing blood to flow.

"There was plenty of blood from me but no stitches," he said.

"But when you sit down in May and plan a horse's preparation and it comes off, you have to enjoy it."

Top jockey Michael Rodd believes Charlie Boy is a "live" Caulfield Guineas chance.

"He's got the quality for the Caulfield Guineas and that's what he's down here for," said Rodd.

"He's put his hand up at the right time and he'll be peaking on Guineas day."

With horses spread out across the track, Charlie Boy ($21) found a slot on the inside and was able to fight off a challenge from the favourite Safeguard who faded to finish fourth.

Kiss A Rose ($16) finished three-quarters of a length away in second with Eclair Big Bang ($18) a head away third.

Ryan said the Danehill was always going to be Charlie Boy's first-up run.

Charlie Boy will now head for the Group Two Caulfield Guineas Prelude on September 21.

"If he doesn't look like he'll get 1600 metres we can bring him back to the sprints," said Ryan.