Godolphin galloper Bantam will be given a short break before aiming at richer two-year-old races in the autumn after his win at Moonee Valley.

Ridden by Chad Schofield, Bantam, the $3.70 favourite, scored a fighting nose win over Miss Idyllic ($3.80) with Tiffany Cash Man ($41) a half-head away third in the Adapt Australia Handicap (1000m).

David Charles, in charge of Godolphin's Melbourne team, said Bantam had showed a lot of fight to kick back after being headed by the runner-up.

"I wouldn't underestimate the second horse," Charles said. "(Bantam) had no peace and the second horse had the sit on him."

Charles said Bantam would return to racing in time for the Blue Diamond Preludes and Previews as a lead-up to the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 28.

Schofield said the victory was better than it looked as the son of Exceed And Excel was kept busy through throughout the race.

"He lifted and fought it off well," Schofield said.

"Even though it was only a small margin it was a better win than it looked."

Edward Creighton, who was having his first Moonee Valley ride, was dislodged from his mount Andy Jay, which was reluctant to race inside of horses near the 600m.

He walked back to the jockeys' room.