Racing Victoria stewards altered the placings of a race at Flemington after the judge called a dead-heat for fourth place.

With clear-cut margins for the first three horses across the line in Saturday's Festive Season Sprint (1000m), the judge was unable to separate Vainstream and The Crusha for fourth place.

After looking at the photo finish, stewards were not satisfied Vainstream had finished level with The Crusha and altered the judge's placings, putting The Crusha in front of Vainstream who was relegated to fifth position.

The nose of Vainstream could not be seen on the line being obscured by another runner while chief steward Robert Cram said the mirror image of the finish was not working.

“The judge couldn't tangibly give us a margin and after looking at the finish of the race and where the horses were placed, it was highly likely that The Crusha finished in front of Vainstream,” Cram said.

“This doesn't happen very often, but under the rules of racing we have the powers to alter the placings.”

The race was taken out by South Australian visitor Bold Star who provided trainer Gordon Richards with his sixth Flemington winner from his past eight starters.

Under Craig Williams, Bold Star ($3.70) scored by a length from Esperance ($5.50) with the $3 favourite Propelle three quarters of a length away third.

There was a further neck margin to The Crusha and Vainstream.

Richards said Bold Star travelled over in the heat from his Morphettville stables on Thursday night.

“He's had three days of heat in Adelaide, travelled over Thursday night and copped another hot day here yesterday,” Richards said.

“He's really only had last night to get over it all so he's done a mighty job, especially with 59-1/2 kilos on his back.”