Hilltop Hustler continues to show he is a horse on the rise.
Warragul Pacing Cup day was the highlight of Easter Sunday at the trots with an outstanding field lining up in the 2620-metre feature race.
There were stars aplenty including Miracle Mile winner Baby Bling and rising star Hilltop Hustler.
Things changed complexion at the start when flying machine Astronaut galloped out of contention which allowed Hilltop Hustler the early lead.
It wasn’t without it troubles however with continual attacks mid-race keeping the pressure on right through the race.
Mick Stanley was able to kick for home on the bend however and held the late close of Lovable Larrikin in a tight finish.
Savesomtimetodream, who worked mid-race, held third from Waltzing With Cullen in fourth.
In a mile rate of 1:59.4, Hilltop Hustler recorded his 10th win at start number 35.
The Eddie Evison Memorial Trotters Cup went to Eisenhower for Peter Lane in a tooth and nail struggle.
Dean Braun’s Im Whitney rattled home along the sprint lane but couldn’t reel in the early leader who rated 2:06.5 for the mile.
Dawn Tears run on into third while Duke Of The Moment finished fourth in final fractions of 30.5secs and 29.6secs.
The win was Eisenhower’s second on the trot and a return to the winners stall which he last visited way back in December 2011.
Promising filly Melita Bromac proved too strong in the Warragul Guineas when holding off a fast-finishing Field Major and McNiven.