Fumimasa Takahashi

Although he only had a debut win going 1800 metres locally to his name on Dec. 15, Crystal Black handled the step up to group company with aplomb, landing the G3 Keisei Hai by a half-length over favoured Sky Groove at Nakayama. Diastima was 2 1/2 lengths back in third. Trying 2000 metres for the first time, the 19-1 shot was fighting pilot Yutaka Yoshida from the bell, while under a snug hold in the last flight against the fence. He eventually relaxed near the tail of the field through...