Columbus: Rare Crystal cruises in Inaugural

Rare Crystal took advantage of the speed duel in front of her to win Friday night's $12,950 Inaugural Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 3 1/4 lengths as Columbus opened its 24-day season.

Rare Crystal, ridden by Armando Martinez, was making her first start in Nebraska after arriving with owner-trainer Jim Cranwell's stable from Canterbury Park. She was well backed as the 3-2 second choice in the field of six and returned $5 for her first stakes victory. She was timed in 1:13.40 for the six furlongs over a fast track.