Sydney premiership-leading jockey Brenton Avdulla has been taken to task by Racing NSW stewards for his handling of King Hewitt at Canterbury.

Brenton Avdulla's tactics on a Sydney midweek runner at Canterbury have attracted scrutiny from Racing NSW stewards.

Racing NSW deputy chief steward Philip Dingwall opened the investigation after Avdulla's mount King Hewitt placed fourth in the Vale Don Storey Handicap, 7-1/2 lengths behind winner Gresham.

Dingwall was concerned at Avdulla's decision to let King Hewitt ($5) settle at the rear of the field.

He also queried Avdulla's lack of aggression over the concluding stages.

"Is that Brenton Avdulla at this best testing a horse out the way we've come to expect?" Dingwall asked.

The inquiry has been adjourned.