by Jeff Renton, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, March 1, 2004… In rein to Luc Ouellette, Hustlin Rustler assumed control in the final turn and kicked in the afterburners en route to victory in the C$57,600 final of the Ontario Boys Series Monday evening at Woodbine. With an effort more reminiscent of a summer mile, the four-year-old son of Rustler Hanover—Miffed Hanover was a wrapped up winner in an impressive life’s mark of 1:51.2.

WEG Photo

Hustlin Rustler was an impressive winner in the Ontario Boys Series Final at Woodbine.

Sweeping through the series, Hustlin Rustler saved the best for last, as he blew by even-money favorite Smoke N Sizzle (Steve Condren) as they approached the final turn and came home the strongest of the bunch.

“He has been racing really well, but I didn’t figure him to be as strong as he was tonight. I was really impressed with his performance,” Ouellette said, of Hustlin Rustler.

Shipping to the Toronto oval after battling in both the Clyde Hirt and Oil Burner Series at The Meadowlands, Hustlin Rustler, a Mark Harder pupil, beat So Lucky Hanover by a quarter-length in the opening leg of the Ontario Boys, and fended off Autobahn Deets by a pair of lengths in the second leg.

In the final of the event for Ontario-sired pacers, Hustlin Rustler posted his largest margin of victory of the series; a 2½-length tally over Smoke N Sizzle and a 4½ gap in front of So Lucky Hanover.

Leaving from post eight, Hustlin Rustler left the gate well and tucked in fourth, directly behind Smoke N Sizzle and driver Condren, as So Lucky Hanover (Mike Saftic) cut a 27-second quarter-mile.

Positioned in draft to the chalk, Ouellette had multiple options of how he could steer his mount. Electing to wait until Condren pulled first, Ouellette followed his cover until Smoke N Sizzle cleared quickly after So Lucky Hanover reached the half in :56.4.

Putting the pedal to the metal, Ouellette opened up Hustlin Rustler as he charged to the point through the turn. Passing the third station in 1:23.4, the duo cruised home in a :27.3 final panel.

Owned by Calgary, Alberta’s Gordon Bryan, Hustlin Rustler ($8.20, $3.60, $2.50) was atop a $20.20 exactor with Smoke N Sizzle ($3.10, $2.20) and spearheaded the $53.50 triactor with So Lucky Hanover ($3.10).

“I think he’ll go faster if he gets dragged into it for a little ways, and from there he can outright fly,” said Ouellette, commenting about how he believes Hustlin Rustler is best accustomed to an off-the-pace style.

Next on the horizon for Hustlin Rustler is the Cam Fella Series for three and four-year-old pacers, which kicks off on Saturday, March 13th at Woodbine.