Silent Witness trialed at Shatin this morning, the World Champion Sprinter failing to show his usual speed, finishing a lethargic 5th, a number of lengths behind the leading pack. The virus which afflicted him some weeks ago appears to be still showing its lingering effects.

Race caller David Raphael's voice had a note of despondency to it as he said "the dream may be over for Silent Witness".

And for the 2005 International Sprint in just 12 days time, it looks as if it is.