Nefyn (Senure - Machrihanish), the four-year-old chestnut gelding owned by Dilip Thomas and Shapoor Mistry, made a strong statement of his qualities when successfully carrying 62kg on his back in the Coolmore Stud Crystal Trophy here on Saturday. The Manjri Stud Farm produce can be successfully targeted for the Sprinters Cup if he retains the same zest during the Mumbai racing season.

	Nefyn (Dashrath Singh up), winner of the Coolmore Stud Crystal Trophy, being led in by trainer Bezan Chenoy (left)

As is his wont, Highland Music took command of the lead while Dashrath Singh had the Bezan Chenoy protege placed handily behind. When the heads turned for home, Dashrath changed gears and got Nefyn going. Nefyn, who is bred as full brother to the Indian Oaks winner Riyasat, charged down at Highland Music and settled the dispute in a matter of seconds. Saints N Sinners ended a fair third with Estevez behind him. Blumarine was simply outpaced throughout. It`s too early to predict how he is campaigned at Mumbai but Nefyn is likely to target the Invitation Sprinters` Cup which fortunately for him will be staged at Mahalaxmi this summer.

Bezan also saddled another star performer of the day, Blackjack (Alnasr Alwasheek - Academy) who is half-sister to Rosmini. The property of Jaydev Mody, Blackjack always raced in close attendance of her much experienced rival Ciel Indienne. The Kamlesh ridden Blackjack faced stiff resistance from Ciel Indienne but the filly overpowered her in no uncertain manner and recorded her second straight victory in emphatic style. Moon Star who made his first appearance this season tried throwing a challenge at both Blackjack and Ciel Indienne but in vain. However, he did finish a close third just over a length and a half behind the winner and has scope for progress during the Mumbai season. Favourite Scarlette was simply not ready for this encounter and the Pesi Shroff trained got-abroad filly was seen struggling throughout. It was surprising that she was raced in this condition especially when she is considered as a big classic prospect.

Following the footsteps of Scarlette, in disappointing the punters, was her stable-mate Hillary. The filly making her first appearance on the racetrack after her win at Bangalore in June this year and she had obviously not fully recovered from her setback. Hillary ran thereabouts to finish fourth behind the Dashrath Singh ridden winner Claim To Fame in the concluding event. Native Lady after wresting the issue from Appalina at the turn and was shaping like a winner but she was devoured by the Faisal Abbas schooled and J. R. Mehra owned Claim To Fame (Ikhtiyar - Queenscliff), who was full of running in the closing stages of race. Major Wager ended an easy third.

Punters who follow the betting trend close to race time were waylaid as they trusted Divine with their money but those who stuck with the ante post favourite Star Empire were rewarded handsomely as the odds against him rose more than hundred per cent. Spellbinder flattered briefly in the straight but the C. D. Katrak saddled and Dashrath Singh steered Star Empire (Razeen - Anagram) made his handicap count before asserting his superiority over Belligerent. Ashwa Pushkar and Generalissimo filled the frame. Smokin Aces ran leisurely to finish fifth while Divine went nowhere despite Trevor Patel`s encouragement.

Prince of Troy (Warrshan - Princess Helen) provided Dashrath, who was in full flow later in the day with four winners to his name, his first winner of the day. The Lagad trained Prince of Troy was available at nourishing odds. Prince of Troy kept in touch with the front running Manitou Splendor till the final furlong before he shook off his opponent to go clear to record an emphatic win.

H Daji trained Flying Jewel, owned by Mrs Vandana Sharma, recorded an encore in the hands of jockey J Pradeep who rode a confident race astride the favourite. Running Sun had his share of supporters but he lost support steadily close to race time. Pradeep kept Flying Jewel relaxed in the rear group before bringing the favourite the shortest way home. Flying Jewel quickened swiftly and went clear to win easily the Knight Earnest Plate (Div I) from Chingari who necked out Running Sun for the runner up berth. The Geoffrey B. Nagpal owned Samiel was driven out to contain the challenge of late rallying Azul in the lower division of the race. Royal Porthcawl made the entire running in the mile long trip before Samiel surged ahead. Azul was coming up with a big charge when the cause was lost.

The Mr & Mrs Vijay Shirke, Avanti V Shirke owned Pound Foolish had it easy in the 2000 metres Grey Magic Plate where favourite Perfect Strength was not up to the task of delivering the goods. Apprentice jockey Parmar took Pound Foolish on a start to finish mission and successfully accomplished it without coming under pressure. Perfect Strength who graced the wrong end of the field till the final turn had an impossible task of covering a big leeway. He could only bridge the gap when occupying the second position.

The Mr & Mrs Keky S. Patell, Mr Berzis J. Engineer owned Albuurz won the 1000 metres Tobler Plate in typical fashion. All horses trained by Antia win start to finish when they are in earnest and the victory of Albuurz was achieved in typical fashion. Jockey B Prakash pushed Albuurz to the front from the start and the favourite skipped away from his opponents to record an emphatic win. Ocean Trail was the best of the beaten brigade.