The son of Live Or Die was far too good in a maiden field at Forbury Park last night, backing up the potential he had shown at the trials.
Aveross Rustler shied at something on the track and went back through the field in his first start at Forbury Park on May 10, but recovered to run fourth.
But Pettitt, who bred the Live Or Die gelding with his wife Averil out of their Albert Albert mare Blazing Aveross, was pleased to see Aveross Rustler's talent come to fruition - albeit later than he thought.
''We nearly lost him as a 2yr-old,'' Pettitt said.
''He had salmonella - and that put him back about two years - but he's just come up this year and making up for lost time.''
Blazing Aveross has left two other starters, Aveross Brute and Aveross Blaze, but Pettitt hopes the 4yr-old might be the best of all.
''This one looks very good, and we've got an American Ideal going to the sales next year.''
There is a good chance Aveross Rustler will be back at Forbury Park next Friday for the Pettitts and Waikouaiti trainer Andrew Faulks.
''We haven't really discussed it, but I'd like to go to the junior drivers' [race] next week, and we'll have to go from there.''
Fine form continues
Missy Mach continued her classy form with her third win on end courtesy of a confident drive from Jonny Cox.
Her trainer, Martin Denton, said he would look for a run at Forbury Park in the coming weeks, although a 3yr-old up-to-2 win race on June 28 might be too far away.
Dunedin man Allen Edwards was the sole representative of the 50-Met Seven syndicate on course to watch Belkmyster pick up his second win from 15 starts.
Edwards has been involved in many of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club-run syndicates, including the syndicates which raced Likmesiah (13 wins) and Texas Hold Em (8 wins) .
''I enjoy the racing of [the horses], and it's an inexpensive way of getting into it.''
Tahakopa trainer Brian Norman produced two long-shot winners when successful with VC's Honour and Marchesa.
VC's Honour dashed late to beat stablemate Arising Easton, returning $27.50, and Marchesa finished in a similar manner to claim the 1-2 win trot at a price of $21.30.
Major Domus fractured her off fore radius during the 1-3 win trot and was put down.
The 10yr-old Ambro Invasion mare had her sole win in 87 starts at Oamaru in September 2010.
Rakaia horseman James Reardon claimed Benihana for $6000 following the claiming pace. Benihana finished fourth behind the winner, Here's Shifty.
Updates
Additional information for meetings today.-
M2 Auckland RC
Scratchings:Race 7: Perfect Flow
Race 8: Magic Power
Weather, cloudy; track, heavy10; rail, true.
M4 Wellington RC
Scratchings:
Race 6: Cool Moon, Amaretta.
Race 9: Za Brute.
Weather, fine; track, heavy11; rail, true.
