A horse who started the day as fourth emergency in the last race at Moonee Valley has made the most of a late call-up to post her first city victory.

Going into Saturday's meeting, the lightly raced four-year-old Coronation Shallan has only had four provincial starts, winning twice and finishing runner-up in the other two starts.

She can now add a metropolitan win to her CV with her victory in the Sportingbet Best Tote Plus Handicap (1200m).

Trainer Brett Scott said that as fourth emergency he didn't think his horse would get a start in the race.

"I thought we had no hope," he said.

"This is her last run before she goes to the paddock and we were just hoping more than anything that she would get a run.

"She stepped up again - she just keeps doing it."

He believes she will be a better horse in the autumn over longer distances.

"We're going to have a lot of fun with her," he said.

Jockey Daniel Stackhouse worked Coronation Shallan on Tuesday and was impressed with her ability.

"I think she's a stakes horse, she's a tough little mare," he said.

The second emergency, the Darren Weir-trained Flying Hostess ($14), filled second place a half length behind the winner while favourite Sumakaray ($4.80) ran third.