This one's going to VCAT courtesy of the stewards. Harsher penalty might be a cheaper way around than the fear factor of (only a couple of) pre race not being enough deterrent. Although, point taken but was there any suggestion alkalisers were used? That horse would have(?) been tested as well as the equipment(?).
It would seem some people are pretty adept at bicarb non detection irrespective of prerace swabs. The three hour option might catch more than pre race. But I can feel the wrath now.