Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained gelding Commanding Witness followed his close third on debut in a 2YO Maiden (900m) at Newcastle on 17 June with a narrow but good win here. Racing in blinkers, he showed good pace and soon recovered to lead and then ran along at a good tempo. He held a good break on straightening and although tiring, still had enough in hand, despite drifting out late, to hold on and score in a photo. Godolphin-raced gelding Piracy was fourth early on, went to third nearing the home turn. He set out after the leader on turning for home and gradually pegged back the margin getting to within a half head of the winner at the post.