A re-match is on the cards for the boom New Zealand three-year-old Cauthen after a promising second in his Australian debut at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Backed from $2.05 to $1.80 on the strength of an eight-length win at his only other start, Cauthen raced greenly and lost several lengths when he threw his head in the air and bumped another runner at the 300m in the Sweeney Can Do Agents Handicap (1000m).

After balancing up again, Cauthen ran on well to take second place, a length behind the all-the-way winner Clevadude.

One of the star two-year-olds of last spring after winning his first two starts, Clevadude was one of the favourites for the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast in January.

But an outside barrier and a bout of heat stress cost him any chance and he finished near last.

"I never lost faith though," said trainer Rick Hore-Lacy.

"He didn't lose a leg or anything and he showed today he's still the horse he was in the spring."

Clevadude ($3.90) showed the benefit of Moonee Valley experience, jumping straight to the front and cruising through the first 800m.

Both the winner and the runner-up are likely to meet again in the Group Three Vain Stakes at Caulfield in two weeks.

Cauthen's trainer Andrew Campbell was delighted with the colt's run, if disappointed with the result.

"It was only greenness that cost him," Campbell said.

"But he showed that his form in New Zealand stands up OK here."