Aloisi Dominates Thrilling Mount Gambier Cup

SUNSET Milo handed South Australian Tim Aloisi his first feature race success as a trainer with a thrilling victory in Sunday's Listed Mount Gambier Cup Final (512m).

In an epic finish to the $10,000 to-the-winner decider, Sunset Milo charged home along the fence to nab high-flying kennelmate Kipling right on the line, delivering Aloisi first and second in the time-honoured feature.

"I actually thought Kipling had stuck on and won – it's a tricky angle there at Mount Gambier," offered Aloisi.

"It's my first feature win as a trainer so it was a day to remember. Both dogs went great and I thought old Rajasthan was very good finishing fourth as well after making a mess of the start."

Sunday's 29.42 Mount Gambier Cup triumph was career win 16 for Sunset Milo, the son of My Bro Fabio purchased by Aloisi and close mate Matt Lehman from WA breeder Dave Hobby in late July.

"He went to Victoria to Rob (Cammilleri) when we bought him and was trialling well," Aloisi said.

"Rob had him nominated for a Sandown meeting that was abandoned so the concern was he was coming here for the cup a bit underdone."

Any concerns that Sunset Milo was a run or two behind were quickly dispelled last week when he roared into the final with a slashing 29.29 heat victory, just 1/100th outside Rockoon's 29.28 track record.

"Sunset Milo was feeling enormous going into the heats but I actually said to some friends before the final that Kipling had really come out of his shell and I thought he'd be hard to beat," Aloisi said.

"They both ran great races in the final. Kipling went 16.60 up the back which a lot of the locals said they haven't seen one go before.

“I left home at 3.30am Sunday morning and got home after midnight the next day so it was a very long day. But a rewarding one. My record as a trainer has been pretty handy but to win a feature race is another level.”

Aloisi has nominated Sunset Milo and Kipling for Thursday night's Angle Park meeting before the pair will return to Victoria.

"The plan is the Adelaide Cup with the two of them so having a look on Thursday night will be good for them before they return to Rob," Aloisi said.

"Old Rajasthan will likely stay here in SA now. He's getting near the end so we'll just see how we go with him. I'd love to get to $400,000 with him and five to ten runs might get him there."