Zac Purton was grilled at length over his ride on the unplaced Clang Fashion at Canterbury on Wednesday after stewards cited concerns about his actions from the 600m mark of the Young Members Day Hcp (1100m).

The race was won by the heavily backed Typhoon Zed from the Tim Martin stable whose part-owners include Penrith Panthers star Craig Gower and former NRL first grader Scott Pethybridge.

Typhoon Zed, who was having his first start, opened at $15 and drifted to $17 before being hammered late to start at $8.50.

After questioning Purton throughout the afternoon, presiding steward Greg Rudolph adjourned the inquiry to a date to be fixed to enable the panel to consider Purton's evidence and examine betting trends.

"We will look at the overall betting picture of the race and that may or may not provide some further avenues for us to explore," Rudolph said.

Stewards were concerned that Purton elected to go back to the inside near the 600m and was held up for a run in the straight before eventually getting clear when it was too late to finish fourth, just over two lengths from the winner.

When questioned about his instructions Purton said he was to get back and get cover.

Trainer Matthew Smith was adamant he told the jockey to stay away from the inside.

"My instructions were get cover on the horse and under no circumstances go near the fence," Smith told stewards.

Steward Steve Railton told Purton he seemed "wishy-washy" about his instructions but the hoop maintained he went to the inside to save ground around the corner before spotting favourite Cheeky Choice and trying to tack onto him.

"What concerns me is the stage of the race where you did come back to find cover was the stage of the race you should have been going forward," Railton said.

Rudolph also told Purton that "every steward around the track had concerns with your tactics".

"You had three (horses) lined up in front of you and you were the fourth cab in the rank to get off the fence," Rudolph said and later added "you are almost in a zip fastener there".

Purton said he was a victim of circumstance.

"If Cheeky Choice hits the line I go with him and get a beautiful run through," Purton said.

PIC - Sportpix.

© AAP 2010 Published 14/06/06