In a remarkable coincidence on Saturday the progeny of the first and second horses in the 1998 Melbourne Cup raced in two separate states, and both won.

Zabeel mares Jezabeel and Champagne fought out the finish of the Melbourne Cup which was naturally followed by retirement to the broodmare paddock, and then dates with the same champion stallion Danehill, although a year apart for the progeny who raced on Saturday.

At Randwick Gerald Ryan lined up Crums, a four-year-old gelding out of Champagne, in the $55,000, Nikon Handicap (C6) (2000m), and under the tutelage of Sydney’s leading rider Darren Beadman, won stylishly. In the process Crums looked more and more like fulfilling the potential that Ryan had held out for him.

Beadman rode Crums quietly in fourth place until the final bend when he caem out three wide and moved to the leaders. He waited, and waited some more and eventually the 200m mark came up. He then shock the reins at Crums riding hands and heels and Crums showed a turn of foot to sprint away from the field with ease.

The margin was 2L to Gypsy Honour (Covetous), with a neck to Warm Ride (Catbird), the time 2.05.87, the final 600m in 35.26. Crums paid $2.10.

“He rode a fantastic race,” said part-owner and Ryan foreman Mathew Dunn.

“It proves he can click on over the distance. He has got great acceleration and it looks like he will make a nice horse,” he said.

“A nice horse with a nice nature,” said Beadman.

“I balanced him on the turn and he lengthened nicely. He has got a nice turn of foot which takes you a long way at a mile and a half,” he added.

Crums, owned by Ryan, Dunn and stable clients Damien and Camilla Flower, has now started eight times for four wins and two places, with stakes climbing to $111,070.

In Victoria in more modest circumstances the three-year-old colt Jezadane, trained by Jezabeel’s trainer Brian Jenkins who is now training in Victoria after shifting from New Zealand, was having his first race in Australia after two in New Zealand.

Those former races yielded a second first up at Wanganui in September 3rd, 2005.

Racing in the $8,000, Ray Wild Plumbing Maiden Plate (1300m) at Bendigo the colt, under Reece McLeod, settled in mid-field until the main straight. McLeod then had some trouble getting clear and they were giving the leaders at least 4L at the 200m.

However, once clear McLeod was able get to work and Jezadane responded to start stretching out over the final meters and he reached the line a neck in front.