The late scratching of favourite, Noela’s Choice, caused a stir when stewards ordered her withdrawal from Friends Of Epworth Handicap at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

When questioned, the Chairman of Stewards, Terry Bailey, said, “we were not satisfied that the mare had received pre race treatment on race day, as there were traces of white residue around her mouth.”

Noela Choice was the pre post favourite at $2.90, however, after the scratching, Coronation Shallan finally finished up as favourite at $3.40, the best backed runner against her was Flying Hostess at $4.80.

Coronation Shallan gave her supporters a good sight in running, sitting outside of the leader, Prie Dieu, however, she did not respond as well in the straight as expected.

It was left to Every Faith to come from behind, under hard riding from Dwayne Dunn, to score by a neck from the fast finishing First Bloom, an improvement on her previous form.

Barbara Saunders, spokesperson for the family that race the mare, was a bit concerned about the wide barrier, however, that was no concern for Dunn, he had his mount well placed as heads were turned for home.

The mare seldom runs a poor race at Moonee Valley. She is by Not A Single Doubt from a daughter of the great Zabeel, ultimately she will make a nice brood mare.

Every Faith returning to scale under Dwayne Dunn