alkaased did not appear in 2003 until july, when he finished second in a maiden at yarmouth. on 25 august he started the 1/8 favourite for a maiden race over one and a half miles at ripon racecourse. ridden by willie supple, he recorded his first success, taking the lead half a mile from the finish and winning by four lengths despite being eased down in the closing stages. in his two remaining races of the season, alkaased finished second when carrying top weight in handicap races at newmarket and leicester.