A debut win from two-year-old Moonlight Hussler, described by David Hayes as a pleasant surprise, has convinced the trainer to press on to the Maribyrnong Plate.

Moonlight Hussler ($17) came from back in the field in Saturday's Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield, making his move around the home turn before putting the race away quickly with a burst of acceleration early in the straight.

The son of Hussonet switched off late in the race but still had enough of a break to defeat Good Prince ($7) by a half length with 1-1/2 lengths to favourite Piacenza ($3.60) who didn't get clear running from last until the 200m out.

"He stargazed a bit late but his acceleration from the top of the straight to the 200 metre mark was pretty exciting," Hayes said.

"We really liked him right through but I just thought this would be too short for him."

Hayes said the Group Three Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) at Flemington was where he would head with Moonlight Hussler who is also eligible for the Magic Millions.

Jockey Nash Rawiller drifted back from the outside barrier on Moonlight Hussler and sat on the outside of a line of three at the back of the field.

Rawiller got moving on Moonlight Hussler rounding the home turn before letting the colt go from the top of the straight.

"What surprised me was his turn of foot. I wasn't expecting that," Rawiller said.