ANDREW O’TOOLE

Courtesy of NT News

Photos by Caroline Camilleri

FIRST CRUSADE, first-up from a four-month break, showed he will be a force to be reckoned with a devasting victory in the Hygain Handicap at Fannie Bay on Saturday.

Trained by Chloe Baxter and with Casey Hunter in the saddle, First Crusade began on terms with his rivals from the inside gate and was able to lead on the fence.

he was travelling sweetly throughout, and once Hunter gave him a little more rein on the home turn, he dashed away from his rivals to win by seven-and-half lengths in a time of 1:08.49. Early Crow came from last on the final bend to take second, with Fragore close-up next ahead of Looking For You…

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