A drop in grade has helped Chill Party to a confidence boosting win at Moonee Valley ahead of a return to stakes class.

After three consecutive runs in Group Two company, the three-year-old dropped to a 2040m benchmark 70 on Monday for an impressive victory.

Now trainer Tom Hughes Jr is looking to the Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley on March 27.

Ridden by apprentice Patrick Moloney, Chill Party ($5.50) raced away to a seven length victory from the $2.25 favourite Allergic with Fullforward ($41) a half length away third.

Hughes, the son of respected trainer Tom who landed the odd plunge or two during a celebrated career, said the victory was not about the punt but about making the horse.

And Hughes now believes the colt has the ability to go a step higher.

"If you owned him, trained him or rode him you'd be mad if you didn't run him in the Alister Clark Stakes in two weeks," Hughes said.

"After that we'll look at maybe the South Australian Derby.

"We've always thought the horse would stay and each time we've stepped him up in distance he's performed really well."

Hughes praised the ride of Moloney.

"It was a very nice ride and it's lovely to see a truly run race," he said.

Moloney was worried he may have got to the front too soon on Chill Party, but said the colt exploded when the run presented itself.

"He's a horse that's still learning but he should get through his grades," Moloney said.

Matthew Allen was suspended for eight meetings after his ride on Ransden Street for causing interference to Allergic (Chad Schofield) at the winning post on the first occasion while Casey Bruce was outed for 11 meetings after causing interference in the second race.