We've noticed the same thing. Stumbled across this post searching for how to lock the column aliases down for the same reason - want to use Oracle 10g SQL Profiles. We need to workaround random, infrequent problems with Oracle using the wrong execution plan.
Yes, I know we can use query hints, but SQL Profiles looked like a nicer option, and something the DBA could have done without needing developer time.
Anyways, we've noticed that when running the application normally, the number is the position of the table in the Hibernate configuration file. So, I suspect the table you are querying from is the 23rd (or 22nd, might be zero-based) in the list in your configuration.
PS: same question as this unanswered thread:
http://forum.hibernate.org/viewtopic.php?t=971156