AFTER a pair of placings and three in total in his last five starts, Goodtime Rusty had been knocking on the door of a win.
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The Terry French-trained gelding finally broke through at Shepparton on Wednesday, collecting his 12th career win from 106 starts.
Importantly for French and daughter Tayla, who was in the sulky, it was the nine-year-old son of Artesian and Rustlin A Kiss' first win in 19 starts for them.
Goodtime Rusty's last race win came at Tabcorp Park Melton back in December, when he was able to manage two-straight at harness racing headquarters.
He would have just four more starts for his former trainer Courtney Slater before making his way to the Frenches at Heathcote.
"I claimed him out of a claimer and paid $4000 for him. At Melton one night I claimed two of them, him and Sandoval," French said.
"I've since on-sold Sandoval on to Rhys Moore up at Mildura. It will end it's time up there probably.
"I'm happy with Rusty, he's owned by me and a mate of mine, and that is his first trotter, so he's pretty happy.
"He ran second on Sunday and so did Joey (Joey's Hangover), so we are having a pretty good run at the moment."
The win continued a run of success for the stable, with four wins, two seconds and two thirds from the last 16 starters.
"I'm happy with that ... I haven't been counting myself, but I'm happy," French said.
It was another outstanding drive from Tayla French, who brought Goodtime Rusty from last in the back straight to circle the field, before hanging on to win by a head over a fast-closing Rockin In Memphis.
The win was the 51st of her career.
Terry said he was proud to see his 23-year-old daughter's career taking flight
"Her drive in the last race on a $92 chance (Hayjoshandco) was a top drive as well," he said.
"I'm rapt with her, and she's doing it all off her own bat.
"I encourage her, but she just does it all solely off her own back these days. She doesn't need any motivation from me.
"She is down at Chris Svanosio's at the moment and then she will be back here in the afternoon to work a couple for me.
"She's flat out with them, but best of all, she's really enjoying it."
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