Crusader wins the Melrose for Martin & Berry Tony Martin's Dark Crusader (8/1) won the Betfred Melrose Handicap at York this afternoon under Fran Berry. The Cape Cross filly was always going well in the rear and swept to the front inside the final furlong to win by a length-and-a-quarter at the line. David Elsworth's Dashing Star (16/1) stayed on well for second with Luca Cumani's Havan Cooler (11/4 favourite) filling third position. The winner was completing a hat-trick following wins at Killarney and Galway in July. Berry told Racing UK: "I wanted to get her settled early on, when a split came I had to take it but I actually got to the front sooner than I wanted. The way she has run today two miles won't be a problem I shouldn't imagine. "I think she'll be a better filly next year, she would definitely get black type and be competitive."
