Just days after his father died, Moe trainer Peter Gelagotis posted his greatest triumph in racing when his colt Hvasstan took out the Group Three Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

Gelagotis was in tears as he hugged jockey Glen Boss and part-owners, who include former Carlton AFL stars Greg Williams and Fraser Brown.

Hvasstan, situated mid-field for much of the race, unleashed a burst of speed over the closing 100 metres to snatch the win by a short half-head.

Honorius, ridden by Corey Brown, was awarded second place on protest, after claiming interference near the line by Nick Hall aboard Electric Fusion.

Gelagotis said he was devastated that his father Michael, who died on Wednesday, would not see his horse run in the Victoria Derby.

"It's been an emotional week," Gelagotis said.

"I just wish Dad had hung on for the next couple of weeks to see us get to the Derby, regardless of the result.

"He was a passionate racing man and I've never seen a man prouder on this earth - he left home (in Greece) with nothing and made a go of life and he's given us the biggest start you could ever wish for."

Hvasstan has been the most expensive purchase by Gelagotis's 20-horse stable - bought for $260,000 - which was started by his father.

"It's been my biggest win," he said. "I've won some Group races in the past interstate.

"Probably the Tassie Derby would be the highlight of my training career to date but winning at carnival time in Melbourne, it's a dream come true."

Hvasstan's victory means he has emerged as outright second favourite to the unbeaten It's A Dundeel in the Victoria Derby at Flemington on November 3.