Crab was a grey colt bred by Charles Pelham and was foaled in 1722.
[1] Although grey was a fairly common color in the foundation stock of the Thoroughbred, it became increasingly rare over time.
In the following October he beat the Duke of Bolton's Cleopatra in a 500 guineas race over four miles.
In April 1729 he won the King's Plate at Newmarket, beating the Duke of Hamilton's Victorious and Mr. Williams's Spot.
His progeny included King's Plate winners Brilliant, Bustard, Grasshopper, Othello, Sloe and Spinster.