One of the best performed horses this season, Alfonsine bounced back from his defeat in the Maharaja's Cup to resume his winning ways, recording his fourth win of the season. Competing in the Karnataka Mile Championship, the John-trained game galloper confidently piloted by Yash Narredu produced another sterling performance to peg back arch rival Mayne Magic and emerge top miler in the campus. The winner's next target is the Nizam 's Gold Cup at Malakpet (Hyderabad).  "He has done exceedingly well and he deserves a shot in the Nizam's Cup and hopefully he will maintain his winning streak," said proud owner Arun Kumar, adding that the star performer is on top of his game and will test the best on the Indian racing circuit over a mile. 

The fact that Mayne Magic in his last head-to-head clash against Alfonsine in the Maharaja's Cup had finished ahead of the John ward and that the Kishan Thomas trainee had finished second thrice from as many starts this season was reason enough to support him and the Kishan camp was bullish that the big-hearted consistent performer would stand tall at the podium. The runner-up did produce his best which at the end was not good enough to stop Alfonsine from storming back into contention for the `Horse Of The Season" title. While Yash Narredu produced a neat effort on the winner, Antony Raj astride Mayne Magic looked a trifle nervy and hesitant. Antony lacked the enterprise and his pedestrian effort tilted the scales in favour of Alfonsine. To the credit of Alfonsine, it must be mentioned that he produced his best and on this day he was a deserving winner. 

Arun Kumar, who to his credit has led in a dozen winners this summer disclosed that hard work brought home the desired results. "I enjoyed the summer. My horses were in good shape and they delivered, be it Alfonsine, Reiko and many others, who maintained their good form all through the season," said Arun pointing out that apart from the trainer the onus is also on the owner to keep track of his horses. "I own 28 horses and the cost of maintenance is big. You need good returns for your survival and for that you need to spare time and take stock each day," said Arun.

On a day most favourites chose to take a back seat including the money-back debutant Aristocratic Queen, on-money favourite Siege Storm and the strongly fancied John Wick, the friendless Ziva floored the followers of form winning the Admiral Henry John Rous Trophy. The Lokanath ward piloted by Ashhad Asbar assumed command after the two top market fancies, Siege Storm and Bright Thunder had shot their bolt at the top of the straight, and powered through to score from nohoper Stravinsky and Sassy Sarah. Siege Storm shockingly finished last in the nine-horse field, while Bright Thunder only managed to stay ahead of Siege Storm. If this result was considered too bad to be true, Akitania from James' yard stunned her eight rivals in the concluding event to send the punters limping back home. The 15 to one long shot piloted by apprentice jockey Sachin hit the front soon after the nine contestants came under the starter's flag and never let the initiative slip, gallantly pegging back the belated effort of the second in demand at the betting ring, Perfect Attitude. The favourite Eagle Eye from the stables of John raced in patches and at end failed to even save money in place.

Earlier, James McKeown's John Wick strongly fancied to make a winning comeback after his pleasing effort in a mock race burst his blood vessels during the race and as a result finished last much to the disappointment of his supporters. The five to one shot Aquastic from Sulaiman's yard piloted by leading pro Akshay Kumar produced her best to provide Akshay his second win and help him stay three points clear of Antony Raj for the champion jockey title. Stablemate Stellantis followed the winner home ahead of NRI Ace, who edged out Rodney at the shadow of the winning post.

The bred in the purple Aristocratic Queen, who was bought paying out a King's ransom failed to start her career on a winning note, narrowly going down to the Narayan Gowda-trained Auspicious King. The runner-up from the stables of Satish Narredu partnered by Suraj, it was clear found the six furlongs trip a trifle sharp and will prove to be a different proposition next time out. The winner too appears a goodtype of youngster and it will also pay to follow his progress in the months ahead. 

The half-money favourite Act Of Kindness from champion trainer Prasanna Kumar's yard and the well-backed favourite Valiant Stream were the two other favourites who justified their top billing on a day most big bettors lost their shirts.