Mr. Hustle a commanding winner in Victoria Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The favored Mr. Hustle got the money in Sunday’s $106,200 Victoria, giving jockey Rafael Hernandez a sweep of both 2-year-old stakes run at Woodbine.

Mr. Hustle tracked first-time starter Old Chestnut through the turn in the 5 1/2-furlong sprint. Mr. Hustle assumed command entering the stretch, while a closing Forester’s Fortune drifted out abruptly into the middle of the track.

The debuting filly Curlin’s Voyage rallied inside to reach contention in the stretch, but Mr. Hustle kept on going to prevail over her by 4 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:04.60.

Forester’s Fortune salvaged third while finishing 10 1/2 lengths in arrears. Joker On Jack, Old Chestnut, and Clear Destination completed the order of finish.

Hernandez, who also won Saturday’s My Dear Stakes on Fast Scene, got a leg up from trainer Roger Attfield on the winner, who paid $4.20.

“His mental attitude is unbelievable,” Attfield said. “He’s always done whatever I wanted to do with him. He’s got a lot of ability. There’s no question about that.”

A gelding by Declaration of War, the unbeaten Mr. Hustle earned $60,000 for owner William Werner. He gave Attfield his third victory in the Victoria.