The George Osborne-trained Mount Horeb extended his recent affinity with the Albury track to claim a third successive $75,000 City Handicap, (1175m) at Albury on Thursday.
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Incredibly, Mount Horeb has had eight starts at Albury for seven wins and one minor placing.
Ridden by Blaike McDougall, Mount Horeb sat outside the race favourite in the Geoff Duryea-trained Magnavale for most of the sprint trip.
The two gallopers staged a two horse war down the home straight before Mount Horeb gained the upper hand over the concluding stages.
The Donna Scott-trained Bautista flashed home to edge out Magnavale for second in an eye-catching run ahead of next month's Country Championships final.
Osborne was lost for words explaining Mount Horeb's near-perfect record at Albury.
"I don't why but he just loves the joint," Osborne said.
"He was in the best shape I could get him in and the horse did the rest.
"I should just tip him out now and set him for the race again next year."
Mount Horeb opened up as long as $21 when markets first opened on the $75,000 feature.
As much as $12 was still available on race day before he was heavily supported late to start as a $5.50-chance.
It was the second leg of a winning double for McDougall.
McDougall combined with co-trainers Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes with I Am Mamwaazel in the $22,000 Class One Hcp, (1400m).
I Am Mamwaazel was the only favourite to salute on the opening day of the carnival which proved to be a tough day for punters.
