Rustler Hustler Has Yet to Show in 2011

A horse that showed some great promise in 2010 is Rustler Hustler. Though only ranked 40th this year for a spot in the Kentucky Derby, Rustler had three firsts out of five starts in the 2010 season. Trainer Richard E. Dultrow Jr., is certainly a man to have on your team, with many high profile wins in his illustrious career. This colt definitely carries a pedigree advantage with a long line of both sires and dams in the winner’s circle and who offer up pedigree as strong turf runners. Perhaps this combination will be enough to get this long shot into the Triple Crown, but with no starts in 2011 it is still too early to tell? One thing that is in this colt’s corner is his strength and ability to adapt on both dirt and grass, winning several firsts on grass tracks in 2010. Forgetting the rocky end to his 2010 season, Rustler Hustler shows more promise than many of the underdog contenders this year.

More than any of the other underdogs, Hustler seems to have solid pedigree, credentials behind him and a juvenile record that surpasses much of the competition. Let’s just say that his starts last year produced some noteworthy wins for Rustler Hustler. However, it seems as though all of the favored underdogs have been kept on long layoff, leaving us wonder if they will have enough under their belt to hold a candle to the top favourites of 2011. The only possible advantage with Rustler Hustler is that he has had nearly double the amount of 2010 starts to the likes of some of his direct competitors.

Is this colt among the best in contention this year, or perhaps not? And with no workouts since late January, will he be able to hold his own in his 2011 debut? Secondary to this, where will trainer Dultrow choose to place Rustler into contention? To date no indication has been given that Rustler Hustler will race the Aqueduct Gotham, and as of now Uncle Mo is the only horses slated to race in April’s Wood Memorial. Mo is also set to race the Aqueduct Gotham. Rustler Hustler is being considered in the list of 2011 Triple Crown contenders which is one of the most famous horse races.

This is stiff competition for Rustler Hustler, with much buzz surrounding this horse rather than this underdog. However, strong turf skills may help him here or at least place him to boost his purse.

With time ticking down, it will be interesting which prep race will determine the start of this colt’s race for the Triple Crown. The Rebel at Oakland Park does not seem the best fit for Hustler, but perhaps may showcase a strength and adaptability on a dirt track. If betting the odds, this doesn’t seem to stand out as the right place for his 2011 maiden start. Odds are that we will see his debut at the Aqueduct. However, since there in virtually no buzz surrounding Rustler Hustler, there is really no guessing at this point in the season.